The Great American Foot Race: Ballyhoo for the Bunion Derby

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2018

Review

An historical account of a footrace across America from California to New York in 1928. 199 men started out from Los Angeles (women were not allowed) - only 55 finished the race. This is a detailed account of how the race went - the poor conditions the runners had, medical issues, car accidents, discrimination against the black runners and a look at the organizers. C.C. Pyle (a P.T.Barnum wannabe in the realm of sports) was the man behind the race - but he offered more than he could actually come though with. The actual name of the race was so long (C.C.Pyle's First Annual International Transcontinental Foot Race) that the press came to call it The Bunion Derby. The 1920's were a time when many were attempting feats to challenge the human body and spirit - dance marathons, challenging the English Channel in a swim, flying across the Atlantic and more. This atmosphere made the race possible - additionally across the country many states were trying to promote the new highway system that was in its infancy (Route 66). The story is interesting but the book would need to be hand sold to readers.

Overall Book Score: good