Race The Tube: Can A Person Run Faster Than A London Underground Train?

If you haven’t already watched the video above, do it now! It solves the age old question: “Can someone actually run faster than a tube train?” Want to find if they can?

Then watch as James Heptonstall races a circle line train between Mansion House and Cannon Street while his friend Noel Carroll stays on-board and films the dramatic conclusion.

Update: For an even more impressive feat watch as the same duo complete the even more ambitious run from Moorgate to St. James’s Park to beat the train. Not to take anything away from achievement, but it should be noted they don’t follow the circle route directly, but instead take the most direct route. Still pretty incredible it can be done.

London Marathon – 1908 Summer Olympics Part 2

Johnny Hayes Winning the Marathon Race. Olympic Games, London 1908

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What: Johnny Hayes Winning the Marathon Race. Olympic Games, London 1908

When: July 24, 1908

Where: White City Stadium, London, W12

Why: Following up on the last 1908 Olympic post this is a picture of American runner Johnny Hayes actually winning the Gold Medal at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London. Dorando Pietri finished ahead of Hayes but was disqualified because he was helped over the finish line due to exhaustion. This was the first time the race was run at it’s current distance of 42.195km (26.22 miles).

The London Marathon – A Look Back At The 1908 Olympics

A depiction of Dorando Pietri finishing the 1908 Olympic Marathon in London

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What: A depiction of Dorando Pietri finishing the 1908 Olympic Marathon in London

By:

When: July 24, 1908

Where: White City Stadium, London, W12

Why: Since the London marathon is being held today, I thought it might be interesting to have a look back at the first marathon to be run at the current distance of 42.195km (26.22 miles). This distance was chosen for the 1908 Summer Olympics, which were appropriately enough held in London. The reason why the distance is an odd number in both kilometers and miles has to do with the Royal Family wanting to get a better view of the start of the race. The race distance would fluctuate slightly over the next dozen years, finally being standardized at the 1908 Olympic distance in 1921.

The image above depicts Dorando Pietri, an Italian runner who entered White City Stadium first, but ran the wrong way and then collapsed several times. Officials eventually helped him to cross the finish line first, but he was disqualified because of the outside help. American runner Johnny Hayes who finished just after Pietri, ended up winning the gold medal. However, Queen Alexandra was so moved by Pietri’s performance that she awarded him a special (gold or silver) cup.