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By Davy Crockett

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In 1878, Daniel O’Leary of Chicago was the undisputed world champion of ultrarunning/pedestrianism. He cemented that title with his victory in the First International Astley Belt Six-day Race in London, defeating seventeen others, running and walking 520.2 miles.

The Astley Belt quickly became the most sought-after trophy in ultrarunning. O’Leary was then the most famous runner in America and Great Britain, pushing aside the fleeting memory of Edward Payson Weston. As with any championship, want-a-be contenders came out of the woodwork. They coveted the shiny, heavy, gold and silver Astley Belt and wanted to see their own names engraved upon it. But more than anything, they also wanted the riches and the fame from adoring fans of the new endurance sport which was about to experience an explosion of popularity in both England and America.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:51 — 28.5MB)

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By Davy Crockett

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In America, 1876 had been a “loopy” six-day race year, with at least eighteen races held. Interest was high, but there were also skeptics. Closing out the last episode, Daniel O’Leary, of Chicago, the champion pedestrian of the world, reached 500 miles for the third time in six days, but his reputation had been tarnished due to some false accusations that in some people’s minds also put a black eye on the ultra-distance sport.

With criticism swirling around him, it was time for O’Leary to show England that he was the true champion ultrarunning/pedestrian of the world, not Edward Payson Weston, who had been winning over the British respect and their money for months. By going to England, O’Leary would face off in a rematch with Weston for their historic second six-day race. It would receive nearly as much attention as the Ali vs. Frazer II boxing match that took place 97 years later in Madison Square Garden. O’Leary would become a key figure in the history of the sport that attracted international excitement for the six-day race, and also would bring back a massive fortune.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:27 — 29.7MB)

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By Davy Crockett

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Ultrarunning in Ukraine has had a long, wonderful history since the early 1970s. As the country is being ravaged from war, ultrarunners around Ukraine have turned their attention to survival, defending their country, or fleeing as refugees to other countries. Ultramarathons, once held regularly in Ukraine, are sadly gone for now.

This episode will highlight the history of ultrarunning in Ukraine and profile some of the very talented Ukrainian ultrarunners who over the years have been a great inspiration. Ultrarunners from Ukraine ran with joy in the past, but now they run in fear. With most communications cut off from them, thoughts and prayers go out as they deal with the severe violence taking place in their homeland. Some recent news is being heard from Ukrainian ultrarunners.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:36 — 32.2MB)

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By Davy Crockett

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In 1876, Chicago, Illinois was the six-day race capital of the world. A six-day race frenzy broke out in many other cities, after the incredible Mary Marshall vs. Bertha Von Hillern race was held in February 1876. (see episode 101).  They showed America that not only could men pile up miles in six days, but women could too, even mothers.

Both men and women sought to race for fame and fortune, even some who weren’t properly trained. There were so many people who wanted a piece of this action that the Chicago Tribune wrote that it would no longer publish challenges unless there was proof that money had been forfeited (secured) for a six-day wager.  This new policy was put in place “in view of the extraordinary lunacy which has lately been prevalent among the boys and women of Chicago on the question of walking matches and challenges.”

The 1876 six-day craze took place especially among women. This episode will continue to tell the story of the earliest women six-day races. At least twelve six-day races involving women were held in 1876. Pedestrian historians have missed most of this history. The forgotten story has been discovered and can now be told.