Metrication in the United States traditional mile-based lengths. In the Olympics, athletes run 1500 meters, not 1600 meters. Running races in the U.S. are usually run in metric distances (e.g., the 100 metres dash or the 5K run), although the mile distance remains popular. But even 5 and 10 kilometer races most often have mile markers on the course, and no kilometer markers. Long-distance races are often measured in kilometers, although exceptions exist (generally 10 mile races). The marathon is referred to as a 26.219-mile race (the official marathon standard distance originally being in English units — 26 miles, 385 yards) rather than 42.195 km.
Athletics at the 1908 Summer Olympics – Men's marathon (in hours) prior to the 1908 Summer Olympics. "(*)" distance 40.0 km "(**)" distance 41.86 km Johnny Hayes set a new Olympic record with 2:55:18.4 hours. 27 runners finished the marathon legally, though Dorando Pietri's (disqualified) performance was perhaps the most applauded; his finishing time was 2:54:46.4 hours, half a minute ahead of the winner. The dramatic finish of the 1908 Olympic marathon led to worldwide marathon fever. In a postcard sent at the time, an American spectator said he had "just seen the greatest race of the century." Since Pietri himself had not been responsible for his disqualification Queen