Arthur Hugh Clough

The Polytechnic Marathon, commonly known as the Poly, took place in the United Kingdom's first annual marathon between 1909 and 1996. It was originally run over a route of 26 miles and 385 yards, but it was later approved as the global standard. The Poly had its roots in the 1908 Summer Olympics, which were held in London. The marathon's organisation had been left in the care of The Polytechnic Harriers, the athletics club of The Regent Street Polytechnic, which is now the University of Westminster. No set distance for the marathon had existed in those days; it was simply a very long run, about 25 miles in length. The Polytechnic Harriers selected Windsor Castle's entrance as the starting point, with the finish line in front of the royal box at White City Stadium. The distance was estimated to be 26 miles, 385 yards, which was later adopted as the international standard in 1924.