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Podcast: Ultrarunning History
Episode: 127: Frank Hart – Part 2: World Record Holder
Description: By Davy Crockett
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Read the full story of Frank Hart in my new book: Frank Hart: The First Black Ultrarunning Star
Frank Hart, at age 22, broke through racial barriers with his fourth-place finish in the 5th Astley Belt Race in Madison Square Garden, held in September 1879. Despite being black, Hart became a local hero in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts. He had proven himself worthy of praise, competing on the grandest sporting stage in the world.
The ultrarunning/pedestrian promoters, backers, and bookmakers had allowed for diversity in this most popular spectator sport in...