The Great Olympic Marathon debacle
The Great Olympic Marathon debacle.
On August 30, 1904, the Olympic Marathon debacle unfolds. Thirty-two runners from four nations took off from the starting line at Washington University, but only 14 finished. The first to cross the finish line was Fred Lorz, but it was discovered that he had stopped running at mile nine, hitched a ride back for about ten miles, and then run to the stadium. The true winner was Thomas Hicks, who had been given strychnine to keep him going.
Based upon content from the book Missouri 365: This Day in Missouri History by John W. Brown, broadcaster and Missouri historian. Get your copy at Reedy Press.
Photo—Marathon race led by Samuel Mellor during the 1904 Summer Olympics.
Related Posts
Joe Buck is Born: April 25, 1969
Joe Buck, who grew up in St. Louis and spent many years calling Cardinals games, was born on this date.
The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery Takes Place: April 24, 1953
A lethal heist gone wrong took place on this date in 1953.
Experience India Through Music and Dance
The American Natya Festival, now in its fifteenth year, is a three-day celebration of Indian artistic tradition. Performers from around the United States and India will dazzle audiences with spirited song and dance and elaborate costumes.
Beauty on the Current
The richly diverse Current River State Park features almost two miles of beautiful river frontage, offering ample opportunity for swimming, floating, and fishing as well as hiking, backcountry camping, and interpretive programming.