Want to create an interactive transcript for this episode?
Podcast: Ultrarunning History
Episode: 55: The 100-miler - Part 2 (1874-1878) Women Pedestrians
Description: By Davy Crockett
Competitions to walk or run 100 miles have taken place for more than 300 years. Part 1 (1737-1875) of this series shared the very early attempts to reach this ultra-distance milestone on foot. By 1867, walking 100 miles in one-go started to receive intense attention, especially in America. A multi-year 100-mile frenzy was launched. In this part, the story is told how the 100-mile craze expanded.
In 1878, thanks to those in England, the 100-miler opened up to runners who could “go as you please” rather than sticking to a strict “heel-toe” walking style that was emphasized in America. That year, well over one hundr...