2012 Olympic Marathon Course standard length for a marathon, and the 1908 marathon course was originally to have been 25 miles, passing through Uxbridge, Ruislip, Harrow-on-the-Hill before ending at the White City Stadium. It was extended to 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 km) to avoid troublesome cobbles and tram lines, because of access restrictions at Windsor Castle and to improve visibility to the spectators, including Queen Alexandra, for the finishing stretch inside the stadium. This distance subsequently became the official length of the marathon. In 1948, London hosted the first Olympic Games to be held after World War II the "austerity games". The
Nottingham Marathon Nottingham Marathon The Nottingham 'Robin Hood' Marathon, is a race in Nottingham, England held every year since 1981. The race today incorporates a half-marathon, and a fun-run, in addition to the full marathon. A corporate relay event is also held in which teams of five runners from local companies and businesses run legs of 2–3 miles on the half-marathon course. The original race started and finished in the Old Market Square, in Nottingham City Centre. From 1982 onwards the race has started and finished from the Victoria Embankment taking in some of Nottingham's most historical and scenic sights, including the