Olympic Games, London, 1908
The Games were originally intended to be held in Rome but on 7th April, 1906 Mount Vesuvius erupted devastating Naples. Italian funds were diverted for the relief and rebuilding of the city and so a new venue was required.
London was chosen ahead of Berlin and Milan.
The White City Stadium was quickly built to hold the athletics (called track and field by Americans) events. It hled space for 68.00 spectators.
The length of the Marathon was fixed at these games.
