In 1908 what was extended by 385 yards for the benefit of the children in Royal Nursery at Windsor?

sequoianoir

The length of the 26 mile marathon. Although I understood it was so that it finished in front of the "Royal Box." [Jan 27 04 5:42 PM] sequoianoir writes: The event that received by far the most attention at the 1908 Games in London was the marathon. Not only did the race attract worldwide attention, it also established the present official marathon distance. Realizing the Olympic marathon distance should be standardized, the IOC decided the official distance would be 26 miles … no more and no less. Yet the distance became 26 miles, 385 yards because of a last-minute decision to provide a better view of the finish for spectators, and especially for the royal family. The marathon starting line was on a road in front of Windsor Castle, so the grandchildren of King Edward and Queen Alexandra could get a good view of the start. The course was measured accurately from Windsor Castle through the streets of London to the stadium. The finish line was on a curve of the 586-yard track in the stadium, across the field from the box where the royal family would be sitting. When Queen Alexandra arrived at the stadium, she insisted the marathon finish line be in front of the royal box, not across the field. The finish line was changed immediately and the additional 385 yards became a permanent part of the marathon. http://www.gazetteonline.com/special/olympics/summer96/olym049.htm Jan 27 04, 5:22 PM