{"id":5942,"date":"2025-04-07T12:58:26","date_gmt":"2025-04-07T12:58:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/recordsandarchives\/?page_id=5942"},"modified":"2025-04-22T13:49:56","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T13:49:56","slug":"polymarathon","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/recordsandarchives\/archive-blog\/polymarathon\/","title":{"rendered":"The Polytechnic Marathon"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Held annually between 1909 and 1996, the Polytechnic Marathon was not only the first regular marathon in London but the first regular marathon event in Europe, pre-dating the current London Marathon by 72 years.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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London Olympic Marathon, 1908<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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The marathon was included as an event at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.\u00a0 The race distance for the first three Olympics was between 24-25miles.<\/p>

At the 1908 London Olympic Games, the marathon took place on 24th<\/sup> July. The Polytechnic Harriers Athletic Club was asked to plan the Olympic route and stage one of the trial events.\u00a0 The Polytechnic Cycling Club were also involved in monitoring the race[1].\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

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With the permission of King Edward VII, the route was to start in front of the royal apartments at Windsor Castle and finish at the new White City Stadium, 26 miles away.\u00a0 However, 26 miles would unfortunately mean the finish line was at the entrance to the Stadium.\u00a0 To finish inside the stadium in front of the royal box, where the King and Queen would be in attendance, the distance became 26 miles 385 yards (26.2 miles) for the first time.\u00a0 This then became the standardised marathon distance set by the International Amateur Athletics Federation in 1921 and the standard Olympic distance in 1924.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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The marathon was marked by dramatic moments, including the disqualification of Dorando Pietri, an Italian baker who collapsed multiple times near the finish line and received a helping arm to cross it. The assistance was provided by Jack Andrew, Secretary of the Polytechnic Harriers and race organiser.\u00a0 Pietri was disqualified and Johnny Hayes of the USA was declared the winner. Despite his disqualification, Pietri’s determination and struggle captured the public’s attention, and he was awarded a cup by Queen Alexandra in recognition of his effort.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Jack Andrew helps Dorando Pietri <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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The First Polytechnic Marathon, 1909<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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The British competitors in the Olympic marathon did not achieve much success. \u00a0The most successful was Polytechnic Harrier James Beale who came 17th<\/sup>. \u00a0To try and rectify this, \u2018The Sporting Life <\/em>newspaper offered a magnificent trophy for an international marathon that would be second in importance only to the Olympics\u2019[2]<\/a>.\u00a0 Following the successful organisation of the Olympic event, the Polytechnic Harriers were put in charge and on 8th<\/sup> May 1909 the first Polytechnic Marathon was held, with the Sporting Life <\/em>Trophy as the prize.\u00a0<\/p>

This was not the first annual marathon event in the world.\u00a0 The Boston Marathon had been running since 1897 and the Yonkers Marathon since 1907.\u00a0 However, the Polytechnic Marathon was the first annual marathon event in Europe and it was the first in the world to always use the 26.2 miles distance.\u00a0<\/p>

The 1909 marathon once again set off from the grounds of Windsor Castle.\u00a0 Over the years the starting pistol was fired by King George V, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret and Princess Alexandra.\u00a0 Rather than the White City Stadium, from 1909-1932 the race ended at Stamford Bridge in West London.\u00a0 From 1938, the finish line was at the stadium of the Quintin Hogg Memorial Sportsground at Chiswick.<\/p>

Henry Barrett of the Polytechnic Harriers won the race with a time of 2 hours, 42 minutes and 31 seconds setting a new world record.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"Winner
Winner of the 1909 race, HF Barrett entering the Stamford Bridge stadium<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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Changing facilities in the stables at Windsor Castle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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King George V greeting runners, 1919<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother firing the starting pistol with King George VI, 1948<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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Competitors walk down to the starting line<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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The start of the marathon<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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Princess Elizabeth accompanied by Arthur Winter, race organiser, 1949<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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An Annual Fixture<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Polytechnic Marathon quickly gained popularity, attracting elite runners from across the globe. The race became a fixture on the athletic calendar, celebrated for its rigorous route and the prestige it conferred upon its winners. Runners faced varied terrains, from the picturesque Windsor countryside to the bustling streets of London, making it a true test of stamina.<\/p>\n

By the time of its demise in 1996, the race had seen 8 world records, more than any other marathon.  These included three British runners – Henry Barrett in 1909, Basil Heatley in 1964 and Jim Peters achieving the first sub 2 hour 20 min time (regarded as the marathon equivalent of a 4 minute mile) in 1953 in plimsoles from Woolworths[3]<\/a>.  The current men’s world record is 2.00.35 and women’s 2.09.56.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Henry F Barrett, winner of the first Poly Marathon, with the Sporting Life trophy,1909<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As the years progressed, the Polytechnic Marathon encountered several changes and challenges. The course underwent modifications to adapt to urban development and logistical considerations. However, the spirit of the race remained intact, continuing to attract top-tier athletes and enthusiastic spectators.<\/p>

In the latter half of the 20th century, the Polytechnic Marathon saw a gradual decline in participation.\u00a0 In 1961 The Sporting Life<\/em>, no longer reporting on athletics, withdrew its sponsorship and its trophy.\u00a0 The Trophy was subsequently donated to the Polytechnic Harriers by The Sporting Life<\/em> in 1969.\u00a0 After a period on display at 309 Regent Street and at the V&A, since 1994 it has been the trophy of the London Marathon and is now known as the Chris Brasher Sporting Life Trophy[4]<\/a>.<\/p>

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Callard and Bowser confectionary company took up the Marathon’s sponsorship in 1962.\u00a0 From 1976 Goldenlay Eggs were the sponsor and the race\u2019s popularity increased again.\u00a0 Goldenlay allowed women to compete in the Marathon for the first time in 1978, 6 years before a women\u2019s marathon was included at the Olympics.<\/p>

The rise of major city marathons, such as the London Marathon (est. 1981), diverted attention and resources away from smaller races. Furthermore, the Windsor to Chiswick route became increasingly challenging due to traffic problems and so from 1973-1992 the race was run in the Windsor area.<\/p>

The Polytechnic Harriers ceased managing the race in 1986 when it briefly passed to the London Road Runners Club, then Capital Road Runners followed by West 4 Harriers.\u00a0<\/p>

The race ran every year except 1910 (due to the death of King Edward VII), 1915-1918 (due to WW1), and 1975 (due to lack of support).\u00a0 The last official Polytechnic Marathon was held in 1996, marking the end of an era. However, its legacy endures, influencing the development of marathon running and inspiring countless athletes.<\/p>

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\"Starting
Starting the marathon at Windsor Castle <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"Runners
Runners in Windsor Great Park<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"Prince
Prince Phillip talking to Jim Peters, world record holder of 1953, in 1952<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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8 time Marathon winner Sam Ferris and his daughter measuring the route at Gillette Corner, c.1950<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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Runners leaving the Castle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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Morio Shigematsu broke the world record with his 2.12.00 win in 1965<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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The Callard and Bowser Trophy awarded from 1962-1975<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>
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The Goldenlay Trophy<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Claire Brunnen, 2025<\/p>

All images \u00a9<\/span>University of Westminster Archive unless otherwise stated.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Footnotes:<\/p>

[1]<\/a> The Poly was also responsible for organising the opening and closing ceremonies.\u00a0 International athletes could become honorary members of the Poly in order to use the sports facilities such as the gymnasium and swimming pool.\u00a0 A register of honorary members is held in the University Archive –\u00a0 RSP\/2\/6\/30<\/a><\/p>

[2]<\/a> The Polytechnic Marathon 1909-1996<\/em> by Ian Ridpath http:\/\/www.ianridpath.com\/polymarathon\/history.html<\/a><\/p>

[3<\/a>]<\/a>\u00a0The Polytechnic Marathon \u2013 a short history<\/em>\u00a0of a long running race<\/em>\u00a0by David Barrington\u00a0https:\/\/kingstonandpoly.org\/archive\/id115-THE%20POLYTECHNIC%20MARATHON%20-%20A%20SHORT%20HISTORY.html<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>

[4]<\/a> The (sometimes) vexed history of the Sporting Life marathon trophy<\/em> by Ian Ridpath http:\/\/www.ianridpath.com\/polymarathon\/trophy.html<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Held annually between 1909 and 1996, the Polytechnic Marathon was not only the first regular marathon in London but the first regular marathon event in Europe, pre-dating the current London Marathon by 72 years. London Olympic Marathon, 1908 The marathon…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":138,"featured_media":0,"parent":3461,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5942","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/recordsandarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5942","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/recordsandarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/recordsandarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/recordsandarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/138"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/recordsandarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5942"}],"version-history":[{"count":176,"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/recordsandarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5942\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6178,"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/recordsandarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5942\/revisions\/6178"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/recordsandarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3461"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/recordsandarchives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5942"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}