The Atlas Obscura Podcast The 6-Day Race
Mar 31, 2025
In the late 1800s, competitive walking became America's unique sport, drawing passionate crowds to six-day races. A bet during the 1860 election sparked the craze, leading to endurance challenges that kept participants on their feet for days. The rise of pedestrianism captivated the public, but it found itself outshined by baseball and cycling innovations. Today, a few of those long-distance events still exist, showcasing the endurance and spectacle that once ruled the nation's entertainment landscape.
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Weston's Walk
- Edward Payson Weston bet that Lincoln would lose the 1860 election.
- When he lost, Weston had to walk from Boston to D.C. in 10 days, turning it into a public spectacle.
Rise of Pedestrianism
- Weston's walking events coincided with the invention of roller skating and increased leisure time.
- People were eager for entertainment, leading to the popularity of watching Weston walk in circles.
Six-Day Race Rules
- Six-day races involved walking as many miles as possible, often exceeding 500 miles.
- Walkers had to maintain heel-toe contact and were allowed breaks, but every minute off the track meant lost miles.
