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Podcast: Ultrarunning History
Episode: 68: The 100-miler: Part 15 (1975-1976) Andy West
Description: By Davy Crockett
Since the dawn of the sport of ultrarunning more than a century ago, a unique breed of ultrarunner has existed which I will call the "self-promoter." They were skilled in using their running talents to gain fame and fortune, mostly by doing "stunts" rather than participating in competitions. There is nothing inherently wrong with seeking to make a living this way. Before World War II, most ultrarunners were "professionals" who lived off winnings, wagers, and gate receipts from doing stunts.
But sadly, many self-promoters would make false claims, play on the sympathies of a gullible public, and s...