Frank Hart – The First Black Ultrarunning Star
By Davy Crockett
Running history about African Americans has for too long been
overlooked and under-research. Davy Crockett is changing this paradigm with
this fine biography on Frank Hart. You’ll learn both about the first great Black
ultrarunning star plus the fascinating era called Pedestrianism. In the 1880s these six day go as you please
(run/walk) races were the biggest spectator sport in the United States. Frank
Hart was its biggest star. Hart set the 6-day
world record in Madison Square Garden April 1880 covering 565 miles.
This fine biography is well researched and shows the many ups
and downs of Frank Hart’s life. These runners
were professionals. Hart’s estimated earnings of $100,000 over his 23-year
career (1879-1902) translate into $3.2 million in today’s value. He raced in 115 ultramarathons and 64 six day
races. The book also highlights the
successes of other African Americans during this era and the adversity they
faced overcoming racial barriers.
podcasts at and Ultrarunning History Podcasts.
His latest book “Strange Running Tales: When Ultrarunning was
a Reality Show” will give you additional insights into the Pedestrian era.
Gary Corbitt
Curator: Ted Corbitt Archives
Historian: National Black Marathoners Association (NBMA)