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
Antarctic Ice Marathon & 100k ultra race the Antarctic and experience anything from subzero temperatures to 24 hours of daylight while there. Antarctic Ice Marathon & 100k ultra race The Antarctic Ice Marathon was established by Richard Donovan / Polar Running Adventures to enable marathon runners to complete a marathon on all seven continents. It also enables athletes to complete the marathon grand slam - a marathon on all seven continents and the North Pole. Runnings of the Antarctic Ice Marathon and 100 km race have taken place at 80° south just a few hundred miles from the South Pole at the foot of the Ellsworth Mountains.