It was previously awarded to the winners of the Polytechnic Marathon between 1909 and 1961 which was staged between Windsor in Berkshire and various locations in London.
Andrew approached William Will, the editor of the Sporting Life, who agreed to fund a trophy for a new annual marathon race in London.
[2] The Sporting Life withdrew the trophy from the Polytechnic Marathon in 1962 after several years of failing finances for the race.
The marathon was subsequently sponsored by Callard & Bowser, who made a butterscotch energy food.
[2] The trophy was subsequently stored at the headquarters of the Sporting Life for several years until 1969 when it was presented to the Polytechnic Harriers in perpetuity with the proviso that the club "the best means and method that will fulfill the original purpose of the trophy"; the original purpose being to "encourage long distance running in Great Britain".