By Bob Ramsak
Under a blazing sun at Windsor Castle on Thursday, running writer John Bryant and Runner’s World publisher Steve Seaton set off to rerun the course of the 1908 Olympic marathon, an event which established the race’s now standard 26 mile, 385 yard distance. Their unique tribute to the event came exactly 100 years to the day after that legendary race.
In that legendary race a century ago, Italian Dorando Pietri collapsed five times in the final yards before crossing the line nearly unconscious. He was later disqualified and the gold medal awarded to his American rival, Johnny Hayes.
"It was a great pleasure to run in the footsteps of Dorando on the exact day, 24th July, that marked the centenary of the distance,” said Bryant, the author of Marathon Makers, who dressed as Pietri to mark the occasion. “"That day, in 1908, was the hottest day of the summer, and (Thursday) the sun was not to be outdone.” Also playing the part was Seaton who was dressed as Hayes.
"The finish was strangely moving,” Bryant said. “I have written a book on the subject so I know every corner where great runners of the past dropped out in 1908. But to complete the course, that Dorando ran 100 years ago, tells all those many millions who run marathons in 2008 where the race comes from, the history of the event, and why they should be proud of running marathons today."
In 1908, the course primarily covered narrow dusty roads through several villages outside of London, and was lined with the biggest spectator crowd in sporting history. On Thursday, the runners were forced to cross major congested motorways and thoroughfares. Dave Bedford, Race Director of the London Marathon, guided the pair to the site of the original White City Stadium, now the BBC Media Centre.
“This is a very important moment in the history of the Marathon,” Bedford said, “and I am pleased that the Flora London Marathon was able to be part of the recreation of the event.”
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