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Podcast: Ultrarunning History
Episode: 10: The Ultradistance Marches (1941-45)
Description: By Davy Crockett
Both a podcast and a full article
During the World War II period in 1940s, ultradistance races in America totally disappeared. Many of the talented runners turned in their leather running shoes for leather boots and served their country in war. But as servicemen, there were many endurance activities that took place both on the bases and on the battle field.
A “forced march” is a relatively fast march over a distance carrying a load. It was a common military exercise during the war. These marches were fast hikes with full military gear. Their history can be trace...