Download Bunion Derby: The 1928 Footrace Across America AudioBook Free
On March 4, 1928, 199 men prearranged in Los Angeles, California, to take part in a 3,400-mile transcontinental footrace to NEW YORK. The Bunion Derby, as the press dubbed the event, was the brainchild of activities promoter Charles C. Pyle. He promised a $25,000 grand reward and claimed your competition would immortalize US Option 66, a 2,400-mile highway, usually unpaved, that subjected the joggers to mountains, deserts, dirt, and sandstorms, from Los Angeles to Chicago. The joggers represented all strolls of American life, from immigrants to millionaires, with a peppering of superstar international runners, included by Pyle for publicity purposes. For 84 days, the men participated in this part-footrace, part-Hollywood production, which incorporated a highway show featuring soccer legend Red Grange, food concessions, vaudeville works, sideshows, a lightweight radio train station, and the world's most significant coffeepot, sponsored by Maxwell House, offering 90 gallons of caffeine a day. Attracted by desires for a much better future and dreams of fame, bundle of money, and glory, the bunioneers embarked on an exhaustive and grueling trip that would issue their physical and subconscious strength to the fullest, while Pyle battled to keep his cross-country highway show afloat. The booklet is publicized by College or university of New Mexico Press.
