Runners leaving Wembley at the start of the 1948 Olympic marathon

Following a host of objections from MPs and east end local authorities, the controversy over the Olympic marathon route simply refuses to go away. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23884085-angry-eastenders-accuse-coe-of-betrayal-over-2012-marathon-route.do, Lord Coe and LOCOG need to ask themselves, exactly “when have the Olympics had a marathon which doesn’t end at the Olympic stadium”? (with the exception of Athens 2004 for very good historical reasons http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletics_at_the_2004_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Men’s_marathon.) And even more importantly, why should it be any different in London for 2012? Our road networks and infrastructures are supposed to be at their best in the 21st century and one of the greatest traditions of the games should not be abandoned simply due to logistical challenges. It reflects very badly on LOCOG, that other host cities have managed this sort of logistical difficulty in the past, including London way back in 1908 and 1948! If it can be done in London in previous ocassions why not in 2012 ?

Finish line at 1908 Olympic marathon games London