Canadian connection to ‘marathon mania’ to be showcased at this year’s race
(TORONTO, August 27, 2008) One hundred years ago, through a twist of historical fate, the official distance of the marathon was set at 42.195 kilometres and the world’s first ‘marathon mania’ was born. Toronto, alongside major cities like London and New York, was at the epicenter of this mania and at its heart was Native Canadian Tom Longboat, a marathoner hailed as one of the greatest distance runners in the world.
A century later, as Toronto prepares for this year’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on September 28, Torontonians are invited to learn more about the fascinating history of the distance and Toronto’s place in early marathon fever. In advance of the marathon, a pre-race Expo (the only one of its kind in North America) will feature a display of historical photos and artifacts. Special guests John Bryant, author of ‘Marathon Makers’, and Prof. Bruce Kidd, will also capture the public’s attention with the drama of the 1908 race, the birth of the distance and the characters of ‘marathon mania’, including ‘Longboat’.
“One hundred years ago, through the great Tom Longboat, Toronto and Canada were consumed in the excitement that set the distance of the marathon at precisely 42.195 km”, said Race Director, Alan Brookes. “We’re proud to be dedicating the 2008 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon to the ‘celebration of the distance.”
Canadian Legend, Tom Longboat
Tom Longboat, a relatively unknown 18-year old from the Six Nations Reserve near Brantford won the Boston marathon in 1907, smashing the previous record time by almost five minutes and turning himself into an international celebrity. The Boston Globe said that he was “the most marvelous runner to have sped over our roads”. Returning home, Longboat was engulfed by fans when he arrived at Union Station. As the champion he was taken to City Hall in a torchlight parade where the Mayor pinned a gold medal to his chest and awarded him a gift of $500 from the City.
Longboat went on to win the Toronto “Ward” marathon in 1908 and represented Canada at the London Olympics games. It was this 1908 Olympic marathon and its twist of events that led to the creation of the unique distance that is run by all marathoners in the world today.
The distance: Why 26.2 miles? (42. 195km)
Prior to 1908, a marathon could be any distance from 15 to 25 miles. However, at the 1908 London Olympics, the course was laid out as 26 miles 385 yards [42.195km]. The additional one mile, 385 yards ensured the marathon could begin at Windsor Castle East Terrace, and conclude at the White City Stadium, directly in front of the Royal family's viewing box. John Bryant, author of the Marathon Makers said of the events of 1908, “this is an important, perhaps the most important, moment in the history of the marathon. The drama and the characters of a hundred years ago guaranteed the distance a place in the hearts of runners and spectators everywhere.”
The Drama of the 1908 Marathon
Besides the birth of the distance, it was the unprecedented drama that unfolded in the London race that captured the world’s imagination. Longboat was centre stage, along with the “little Italian” Dorando Pietri (from Carpi, Italy) and New Yorker, Johnny Hayes. On a sweltering July 24th, and over the next year, these three men became the “kings of the marathon”, and their “near-death” duels created a “marathon mania”.
“I will win or I will die!” Dorando was heard to whisper at the Start line at Windsor Castle. Longboat held the lead in the early miles but was eventually forced to drop out at 20 miles with cries that he was “got at”. Dorando entered the Great Stadium first, to almost 100,000 spectators. He collapsed five times before being helped across the line by officials-- captured in perhaps the most famous historical marathon photo of all time -- to be disqualified for being assisted. American Johnny Hayes who’d paced himself well, crossed the line 2nd and was subsequently awarded the gold medal. Dorando was such a huge crowd favourite that Queen Alexandra awarded him a special cup and called him the “de facto winner”. Back home in New York, Bloomingdales decorated their entire Manhattan store in honour of their most-famous employee, Johnny Hayes, and promoted him to Manager of the Sporting Goods department. Longboat came home to Toronto and turned professional.
The world was in awe, and wanted more. And they wanted more over the exact distance of 26 miles 385 yards. It was the high drama of London, and the 15 “match” races over the next 15 months that set the magic distance, consistently at 42.195 km.
Event Details
What: The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo-
Visit the Expo display – the only chance in North America to see photos of the race; Dorando’s Queen’s Cup, Longboat’s 1907 Boston trophy, Hayes’ original 1908 gold medal
Listen to John Bryant re-tell the drama of the 1908 race that set the world on fire and set the distance, on the stage at the Expo on Friday and Saturday!
Run in the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon, along with 9 “Longboats”, 2 Dorandos” and 3 “Hayes’” (on September 28th) to celebrate the distance!
When: Friday September 26, 2008 (11am-8pm) and Saturday September 27, 2008 (10am-6pm)
Where: The Metro Toronto Convention Centre
The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
The marathon attracts participants from over thirty-five countries and aims to raise $1 million for over sixty small but significant neighbourhood charities. Participants first and last kilometer will be between Old City Hall and Union Station, where Longboat was paraded and celebrated a century ago. Visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com for further event information, including a special section “Celebrating 100 Years of the Distance”, with historical photos.
1908 LONDON OLYMPIC MARATHON, courtesy of Bob Wilcock and The Society of Olympic Collectors
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