Rise of Pedestrianism

In the 1870s, a remarkable event in Newark captivated crowds as competitors raced to walk 500 miles in six days, with Weston emerging as a star. The sport gained formal recognition with the establishment of the Astley Belt and the O'Leary Belt, leading to significant events in New York City. Notably, the inclusivity of the sport allowed for diverse competitors, and corporate sponsorship began to shape the landscape of pedestrian competitions.