"Marathons are neither metric or English. In both systems, the number in kilometres or miles is not rounded. The exact metric distance is 42.195 km and in miles it is 26.219. Various organizations that hold marathon events may measure out the course in either metric or English depending on what their rules or international agreements require. Marathons may be required to base the distance on metres, but that may be hidden by the media converting the distances to the audience giving the illusion that mile units
are used behind the scenes." Interestingly enough, the first modern marathon (1896) was 40 km in distance. It was in 1908 at the London Olympiad that the length was changed to 42.195 km so the race could start at Windsor Castle and end in front of the Royal Box. This length was adopted as "official" in 1921 and remains to this day. Phil
