In 1963 America went on a 50-mile hike frenzy attempted by thousands. Out of this craze emerged the JFK 50, the oldest ultramaration in America.

Paul “Hardrock” Simpson ran from 1927-1963, a veteran of the 1928-29 C.C. Pyle “Bunion Derbies” that raced across America. He bridged the gap of World War II to also run ultradistances in the 1950s capturing the imagination of America.

Who is faster, human or horse in an ultradistance race? Races since 1879 sought for the answer. In 1957-58 a 157-mile man vs horse race in Utah captivated America.

The Padre Island Walkathon was a very early trail ultradistance race held in Texas during the 1950s and 1960s on the barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico.

Introducing the new Ultrarunning History Podcast. This episode introduces Davy Crockett and what to expect on the Ultrarunning History Podcast.