Question: Why Do we run 26.2 miles?

Answer: The first race, from the battle site into the 1896 Olympic Stadium, was determined to be 40 Kilometers, or 25 miles. In 1908, the Olympics were held in London and the route was charted to start 40K outside Olympic Stadium, as in Athens. When the queen asked to have the course extended to start at Windsor Palace, the organizers agreed. The 26.2 – mile distance of the new course became the Olympic standard. So when you pass the 25 – mile mark and wish the race was finished, you can say “God save the Queen” (or something similar). But the distance is quite legitimate. Phidippides would not have stopped at the site of the 1896 stadium, but would have continued into the ancient town of Athens. The total distance would be about the currently certified distance.

Jeff Galloway Resources: www.jeffgalloway.com Visit the E-Shop where you will find “Galloway’s Marathon FAQ” and other books for your running library. 

Join us in Atlanta for the 2016 Jeff Galloway Race Weekend! To register or find out more information on the JG 13.1 race, Barb’s 5K, Fit Kids Run and other weekend events go to: https://jeffgalloway131.com    New this year: THE DOUBLE G!

ANNOUNCING the new Galloway Run-Walk-Run training app! With coaching, motivation, nutrition, a FREE run-walk-run timer, and more!

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