The Great Bunion Derby

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 A couple of weeks ago I decided to re-read some books that I have enjoyed in the past. The book I am currently re-reading is a novel that was published back in 1986, which was probably at the height of the ‘running boom’ back then.

Based on real life events, Flanagans Run by former National  Coach, Tom McNab, is a story of people drawn together in a foot race across America during the depression years.

The real life race was organised by an American promoter, Charles C Pyle, in 1928. Nicknamed the Great Bunion Derby, it started on 3rd March 1928 in Los Angeles and progressed in stages to finish in New York City.

The contestant with the least lapsed time being the winner.  After running a total time of 573 hours 4 minutes 34 seconds Andy Payne of USA won by over 15 hours. Finishing at Maddison Square Gardens on 26th May.

I’m enjoying Tom McNab’s novel tas much as the first time I read it. And footage of the actual ‘Bunion Derby’ can be found below