The Polytechnic Marathon
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 was included as an event at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. The race distance for the first three Olympics was between 24-25miles.
At the 1908 London Olympic Games, the marathon took place on 24th July. The Polytechnic Harriers Athletic Club was asked to plan the Olympic route and stage one of the trial events. The Polytechnic Cycling Club were also involved in monitoring the race[1].
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. However, 26 miles would unfortunately mean the finish line was at the entrance to the Stadium. 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. This then became the standardised marathon distance set by the International Amateur Athletics Federation in 1921 and the standard Olympic distance in 1924.
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. 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.
The First Polytechnic Marathon, 1909
The British competitors in the Olympic marathon did not achieve much success. The most successful was Polytechnic Harrier James Beale who came 17th. To try and rectify this, ‘The Sporting Life newspaper offered a magnificent trophy for an international marathon that would be second in importance only to the Olympics’[2]. Following the successful organisation of the Olympic event, the Polytechnic Harriers were put in charge and on 8th May 1909 the first Polytechnic Marathon was held, with the Sporting Life Trophy as the prize.
This was not the first annual marathon event in the world. The Boston Marathon had been running since 1897 and the Yonkers Marathon since 1907. 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.
The 1909 marathon once again set off from the grounds of Windsor Castle. 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. Rather than the White City Stadium, from 1909-1932 the race ended at Stamford Bridge in West London. From 1938, the finish line was at the stadium of the Quintin Hogg Memorial Sportsground at Chiswick.
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.
An Annual Fixture
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.
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]. The current men’s world record is 2.00.35 and women’s 2.09.56.
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.
In the latter half of the 20th century, the Polytechnic Marathon saw a gradual decline in participation. In 1961 The Sporting Life, no longer reporting on athletics, withdrew its sponsorship and its trophy. The Trophy was subsequently donated to the Polytechnic Harriers by The Sporting Life in 1969. 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].
Callard and Bowser confectionary company took up the Marathon’s sponsorship in 1962. From 1976 Goldenlay Eggs were the sponsor and the race’s popularity increased again. Goldenlay allowed women to compete in the Marathon for the first time in 1978, 6 years before a women’s marathon was included at the Olympics.
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.
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.
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). 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.
Claire Brunnen, 2025
All images ©University of Westminster Archive unless otherwise stated.
Footnotes:
[1] The Poly was also responsible for organising the opening and closing ceremonies. International athletes could become honorary members of the Poly in order to use the sports facilities such as the gymnasium and swimming pool. A register of honorary members is held in the University Archive – RSP/2/6/30
[2] The Polytechnic Marathon 1909-1996 by Ian Ridpath http://www.ianridpath.com/polymarathon/history.html
[3] The Polytechnic Marathon – a short history of a long running race by David Barrington https://kingstonandpoly.org/archive/id115-THE%20POLYTECHNIC%20MARATHON%20-%20A%20SHORT%20HISTORY.html
[4] The (sometimes) vexed history of the Sporting Life marathon trophy by Ian Ridpath http://www.ianridpath.com/polymarathon/trophy.html