Champagne, cocaine and some very long walks: when pedestrianism ruled the sporting world
During the 19th‑century craze for pedestrianism, long‑distance walking contests attracted massive audiences and lucrative wagers. Star walkers such as Edward Payson Weston performed extraordinary stamina feats, often celebrated with lavish parties and, at times, stimulant use. The sport’s popularity waned as other forms of entertainment emerged, but it remains a notable chapter in early athletic history.