In an Adelaide event lasting 48 hours in 1880, 172 miles 2 laps were the impressive winning score. That 1880 article notes that an honorable member of S.A. Parliament "made a few remarks on pedestrian contests generally, [...] on British pluck, endurance, &c. Mr. E. Ward also took the opportunity of addressing the company on the good arising from manly sports, and alluded to the success in England of the Australian Cricketers." The reporter describes lameness, men almost crippled, fatigue, walking tenderly, "spurting occasionally" (a short sprint to please the crowd), and the money prizes and belts awarded to the winners. It sounds rather like those dance marathons of the 1920s but I suppose many sports still have that element of watching athletes extend themselves to their limits or exhaustion. I like the sound of the old men's race below - I might get an "also ran" ribbon in that.
TURNER'S MARSH. 1 Oct 1881
(From a Correspondent.)The weather for the past few weeks has been delightful, with occasional spring showers. Many farmers are now busy getting in the potato crop, whilst many more have not yet disposed of the last season's crop, owing to the horrible state of the roads during the winter, though they are now drying up. The condition of the roads here, especially that to Launceston affords a gloomy prospect to the tiller of the soil next winter, if no improvement be made before then. It will be a great pity if the public works scheme does not pass the Upper Chamber this session, as very much good would accrue to the outlying districts therefrom, in the shape of roads and bridges.
An amateur go-as-you-please came off here on Saturday last, 24th inst., at 2,30 p.m., in a paddock belonging to Mr John Burke, when upwards of 150 persons, old and young (including some from the Upper Piper), assembled to witness the novel feat of a one hour go-as-you-please tournament, which created a good deal of excitement, and was very sharply contested by five out of ten who entered upon the contest. Thomas Beeson completed nine miles six laps within the prescribed time, followed in succession by Wm. Bassett and Fred. Saunders, completing the same distance in same time; next came Thomas Windsor and Jas. Beeson, the former completing nine miles and five laps, and the latter seven miles and six laps. There were four prizes-first, £2; second, £1; third, 10s; fourth, 5s which were awarded to the competitors in the order named, and were well earned. Four other foot races were run, viz., one for boys under 15 years, distance 500 yards; one under 19 years, distance one mile ; one for old men over 50 years, distance 250 yards ; and the last open to all, distance 500 yards. The winners were, respectively, Wm. Burke, John Windsor, Hugh McKenna, and Thos. Beeson, the prizes being 5s, £1, 7s, and £1. The open to all race ended the day's proceedings, but none caused more laughter and excitement than the old men's, who certainly ran well, the last at the start coming in first.
September 28.
TURNER'S MARSH. (1881, October 1). Launceston Examiner (Tas. : 1842 - 1899), p. 1 (Supplement to the Launceston Examiner.). Retrieved September 6, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38226973