Running from Windsor Castle to the White City site
In 1908 the marathon run on 24 July was the first to set the present recognized distance of 26 miles and 385 yards prior to that marathons varied from 40 to 41 KM in distance and has for the last 100 years been the world wide recognized distance
To celebrate this event the 100 Marathon Club organized a marathon on Thursday 24 July at 1430 hrs [the exact time 100 years ago] to run from the gates of Windsor Castle and follow the exact route taken100 years previously
The main difference was the increase of buildings, people, traffic, junctions, crossings etc until the finish is reached which is now the BBC building
Running to avoid people, prams, bikes , cars etc etc and only having water at 5 miles and 17 miles on a day that was 28 / 29 ºC and burning pavement heat to warm up the feet was quite a challenge
67 runners finished with the Editor being 58 finisher in a time of 6 hrs 19 mins 45 secs mostly due to the discomfort of the Planter Fascia problem compounded by the heat and lack of water
Lessons learnt from the event
DON’T run with an injury
DON’T run if there is insufficient water on route
DON’T run if the support from the system is lacking
Mind you this was the situation some 100 years ago when Dorando Pietre won the race but was disqualified since he was helped on the track by “kind and helpful marshals“.