In celebration of International Women’s Day, a group of dedicated runners retraced the historic steps of the 1908 Olympic marathon, marking the Original Marathon VIII event. This unique marathon, mirroring the inaugural 26.2-mile race from over a century ago, commenced at the majestic Windsor Castle and culminated at White City Stadium in London.

The 1908 London Olympics introduced the marathon distance we recognize today, with the race spanning through various towns such as Eton, Slough, Uxbridge, and Wembley before the grand finale at White City. Initially, only men were permitted to participate in the marathon, a gender restriction that the event organizers aimed to rectify this year by doubling the participant slots to honor the women who were excluded in the past.

Renowned Paralympics GB athlete, Richard Whitehead MBE, a double gold medalist, joined the 150-strong cohort of runners in this commemorative event. Whitehead, known for his ambitious goal of completing 20 marathons worldwide in 2025, expressed his anticipation for the Original Marathon, emphasizing its historical significance tied to the 1908 Olympic Games in London.

The 1908 marathon, uniquely requested by the royal family to start at Windsor Castle and finish at the royal box of the Olympic Stadium, became a milestone in marathon history, setting the standard distance of 26.2 miles. This race gained international attention due to the disqualification of Italian runner Dorando Pietri. Despite crossing the finish line first, Pietri’s disqualification sparked controversy after officials assisted him during his final strides.

Diccon Loy, co-founder of the Original Marathon, highlighted the event’s symbolic gesture of inclusivity towards women, contrasting the gender limitations of the past with the expanded opportunities in the present. The race, coinciding with International Women’s Day, aimed to pay homage to the women who were denied participation until much later in Olympic history.

The marathon participants embarked on their journey from Church Street Gardens, mirroring the exact start time of the 1908 race to honor tradition. The route, weaving through historical landmarks from Windsor to White City, served as a poignant reminder of the perseverance and spirit encapsulated in the original Olympic marathon.

As the runners followed in the footsteps of past athletes, the Original Marathon VIII not only paid homage to sporting history but also symbolized a tribute to gender equality and inclusivity in modern-day athletics. This reenactment of the 1908 Olympic marathon served as a testament to the enduring legacy of the race and its continued relevance in the realm of contemporary running events.