Locals Irate as London Moves Olympic Marathon Route

As with most modern Olympiads, the original 2012 marathon course called for a finish in the main stadium. London's officials, however, have announced a shortened "loop" course—which marathoners will traverse repeatedly, condensing crowds and making for better television—that will start and finish in front of Buckingham Palace. Problem? Politicians from the Tower Hamlets borough are furious after originally being promised three events during London's pitch for the games, the BBC reports.

Their current tally is none, prompting one official to complain that the borough was getting all of the disruption but none of the benefits of hosting the games. The London 2012 committee calls the decision one of its hardest yet, and blames to congestion and traffic along the original course route. Read the full article. (More 2012 London Olympics stories.)