How the king helped solve 116-year marathon mystery

Aretired civil servant proved that the race distance really is 26m 385yds, thanks toa royal assist from Windsor Castle

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It sounds like something from the pen of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: the curious case of the royal family, the Italian confectioner and one of the most dramatic moments in Olympic history.

A mystery that has finally been solved, thanks to a retired civil servant and King Charles.

Like many classic detective stories, it starts with a body on the floor. One hundred and 16 years ago today, the 22-year-old Italian Dorando Pietri was leading the 1908 London Olympic marathon only to collapse yards from the finish. Five times he fell. Five times he was helped up. To the roars of nearly 100,000 people at the White City Stadium, he staggered over the line in first place.

Watching on, transfixed, was Conan Doyle. "Amid stooping figures and grasping hands I caught a glimpse of the haggard, yellow face, the glazed, expressionless eyes, the long, black hair streaked across the bow," he wrote. "Surely he is done now? There is a groan as he falls once more, and a cheer as he staggers again to his feet. It is horrible, and yet fascinating." It was all to no avail. Pietri was disqualified for receiving "outside assistance", with the American Johnny Hayes declared the winner.

However, Pietri's exploits made him an overnight celebrity with Queen Alexandra giving him a cup for his valour and Conan Doyle raising £300 (about £40,000 in today's money) on his behalf.