The Great American Foot Race

A look at a 1928 coast-to-coast cross-country foot race, won by 19-year-old Cherokee Indian Andy Payne. Dubbed "The Bunion Derby," the event featured 199 runners trying to traverse the 3422 miles of Route 66 from L.A. to Chicago, and on to New York City. The race was originally staged to help promote the nation's new highways, but it also became an early vehicle for corporate sponsorship of athletic events. Payne claimed a $25,000 prize for his winning efforts.