Pedestrianism was a tough, daunting and physically demanding sport. The six-day races covering 24 hours a day were described as "utterly barbaric"--and perceived to be more cruel than the illegal bare-knuckle duels of the time. Although many entered these races, few would see out the distance with most collapsing in agony long before the end.Â
Arcane and arduous, the sport rose to popular distinction in the late Victorian era. A professional, long-distance walking/running sport, huge crowds attended its key, lucrative meetings in London, New York, other cities on either side of the Atlantic, and in Australia and New Zealand.Â
This enthusiastic work of historical drama and intrigue presents a detailed, compelling journey through record-breaking sporting exertion. The vivid introduction portrays the agony, insomnia and exhaustion suffered during mind-boggling feats of physical endurance.Â
As "peds", dozens, if not hundreds, of grueling miles were regularly covered around sawdust tracks for days at a stretch. In pursuit of crazy wagers, domestic honors and international championship belts, heavy gambling and large prize money made pedestrianism an attractive proposition.Â
The book is filled with vital statistics and fiscal pulling power as competitors were massaged back into shape by ruthless promoters or crooked managers. Corruption, murder and suicide are also exposed, alongside American pedestrian Charles Harriman's extra-marital scandal.Â
Fascinating original newspaper articles sourced from around the globe convey the heated rivalries, colorful characters and riotous scenes. The immediacy and humor of the "trackside" interviews with breathless "peds" are also a delight.Â
Amongst the book's many excellent career studies, early coverage is given to pedestrianism's early U.S. exponent Edward Payson Weston, and three-time world record holder, Daniel O'Leary. The Irishman regales an 1885 interviewer with the secrets of his success, denying that pedestrianism's post-1879 popularity is waning. It was left to England's world champion George Littlewood, and his incredible feat of running 623¾ miles in six days and nights, to produce pedestrianism's final zenith in 1888.Â
Brimming with colorful dispatches from these epic Victorian battles, "King of the Peds" is an entertaining encyclopedia packed with tales of pain, pride and glory.
