June 2009

Thanks to Roger Barnard the History Group had an entertaining and interesting evening learning about the London Marathon. Roger talked about marathons, beginning back from 776 BC in Greece when they were known as Olympic Games.

In 393 AD the Olympic Games were abolished by the Romans for about 1500 years. They were re-established in 1896 by the French, and held back in Greece. These games included a race from the town of Marathon to Athens.

In 1900 the Olympic Games were held in Paris and in 1904 in St Louis, USA. Both of these games included races of around 25 miles, known as "a long race".    It was in July 1908 that London held its first long race. This began in Windsor and ended at the Royal Box, a distance of 26 miles 385 yards. There were 56 starters and an American won.

Two famous athletes, Chris Brasher and John Disley persuaded authorities that a marathon run through London could be possible.

On March 29th 1981 the first London Marathon took place, the event was sponsored by Gillette.  There were 20,000 applications, 7,055 started and 6,255 finished.

Roger told us about the present day marathon, where it starts and ends, the runners numbers and kit bags, and some of his experiences as a runner himself. It was very interesting!

Applications for next year's London Marathon opened on the day Roger presented his talk to our group - will you be applying?