All official marathons are 26.2 miles (42.195 km). The marathon is based on the legendary feat of a Greek soldier who, in 490 bce, is supposed to have run from Marathon to Athens, a distance of about 40 km (25 miles), to bring news of the Athenian victory over the Persians. In 1924 the Olympic marathon distance was standardized at 42,195 meters (26 miles 385 yards). This was based on a decision of the British Olympic Committee to start the 1908 Olympic race from Windsor Castle and finish it in front of the royal box in the stadium at London. Since then all certified marathons have been 26.2 miles.
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