Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

The first Olympic marathon distance was not fixed at 42.195 km. At the 1896 Athens Games, the race covered roughly 40 km along a road from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium, and the exact length was set by the course rather than by a formal rule. This guide explains how that early race was run, how the distance was later standardized, and what the modern number actually means.

The 1896 Athens Course

The first modern Olympic marathon took place on April 10, 1896. Organizers laid out a route that followed the legend of Pheidippides, running from the town of Marathon toward Athens. The finish was the Panathenaic Stadium, a marble venue restored for the Games. Because the course was measured roughly rather than surveyed to a standard, runners covered an approximate distance, commonly cited as about 40 km.

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For the full story of the race and its winner, see First Olympic Marathon Story: The 1896 Race and Its Winner.

How the Distance Became Standard

Early marathons varied widely in length. Organizers chose courses based on local geography, which meant no two races were necessarily the same distance. Over the following decades, race officials began adopting more consistent measurements, and the distance settled into the form used today.

The 42.195 km figure, equal to 26 miles 385 yards, was established as the official marathon distance and used at the 1908 London Games. The extra length came from the route the royal family requested so they could watch from the start line at Windsor Castle. This is why the standard is an odd number rather than a round one.

How to Understand the Distance Today

If you are researching the historical distance for a report or a race history project, use these steps to get an accurate answer:

  1. Separate the 1896 race from later Games, since the 1896 course was approximate.
  2. Identify the year the 42.195 km standard was first applied, which was the 1908 London Games.
  3. Check the original sources for measured versus estimated distances.
  4. Convert units carefully: 42.195 km equals about 26.2 miles.

Key Figures at a Glance

Item Detail
1896 Athens course Approximately 40 km
Standard distance 42.195 km (26 miles 385 yards)
Standard adopted 1908 London Olympics

Common Mistakes When Researching This Topic

  • Assuming the 1896 race used the modern 42.195 km distance.
  • Mixing up the ancient Marathon legend with the first Olympic race.
  • Rounding 42.195 km to 42 km without noting the difference.
  • Relying on a single source for the 1896 course length, since estimates vary.

FAQ

What was the first Olympic marathon distance?

The 1896 Athens Olympic marathon covered an approximate distance of about 40 km. The course was not measured to a fixed standard at that time.

When did 42.195 km become the official marathon distance?

The 42.195 km distance was first used at the 1908 London Olympics and later became the official standard. The route was adjusted so the race could finish in front of the royal box.

Why is the marathon 26.2 miles?

The 26.2-mile figure is simply the modern standard converted to miles, equal to 42.195 km. It reflects the 1908 London course rather than any earlier race.

Conclusion

The first Olympic marathon in 1896 was run over an approximate course of about 40 km. The 42.195 km standard came later, shaped by the 1908 London Games. Knowing this history makes it clear why the modern distance is what it is.

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Lauren Holland

About Lauren Holland

Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our marathon & half-marathon guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.