This Date In Running History - February 11, 1899

HEGLEMAN WINS THE FOOT RACE

The German Makes Seventy Miles In Twelve Hours

The international twelve-hour go-as-you-please foot race for the world's championship, which opened at the Grand Palace at noon yesterday, closed at midnight with the following winners:  Peter Hegleman, Germany, 70 miles; Olaf Steen, Norway, 68 miles; James Dean, Boston, 67 miles 12 laps; Albert Carlson, Sweden, 66 miles 11 laps and Walter Pierce, Boston, 66 miles 3 laps.

There were thirty-five contestants, and each one paid an entrance fee of $5.  The prizes, consisting of 50 per cent. of the gate receipts, will be distributed among the first five men as follows:  First prize, 40 per cent.; second prize, 25 per cent.; third prize, 15 per cent.; fourth prize, 12 per cent.; fifth prize, 8 per cent.

The race was well attended during the day and evening, and the men started off in lively spirits.  A tanbark and sawdust track had been placed arond the hall, which measured fifteen laps to the mile.  The men resorted to anything from a run to an easy-going walk, and as the hour of midnight drew near presented a most dejected appearance.  About 11o'clock several of them gave out and had to be carried to the dressing rooms.  An enthusiastic crowd witnessed the finish, and the victors were heartily cheered as they crossed the line.

Pierce, who got the fifth prize, fell on the track at 11:30 o'clock.  His condition was found to be serious, and an ambulance was summoned from Flower Hospital.  The surgeon said he was suffering from exhaustion, and that he might die.  He was removed to the hospital.  He is nineteen years old, and said to be the champion five-mile runner of New England.

Source:  The New York Times, Sunday, February 12, 1899