The 3,400-Mile Race Through Route 66 and Beyond

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Published Oct 27, 2026

Could you run 3,400 miles for half a million dollars? In 1928, 199 men tried to do exactly that in the "Bunion Derby"—a grueling footrace from Los Angeles to New York City. Learn how a 20-year-old Cherokee runner named Andy Payne risked everything to save his family farm and became an American legend.

In this episode, we explore:

The Origins of the Bunion Derby: How a massive marketing stunt designed to promote the brand-new Route 66 turned into the most grueling athletic challenge of the era.

Andy Payne’s Journey: The story of the young Oklahoman who outran professional marathoners and world record holders.

The Birth of Route 66: How the "Mother Road" evolved from a patchwork of dirt and gravel into a cultural icon that shaped the American West.

The Era of Spectacle: A look back at the 1920s—a time of flagpole sitting, dance marathons, and the rise of sports promotion under CC "Cash and Carry" Pyle.

#History #Route66 #BunionDerby #AndyPayne #GreatDepression #AmericanHistory #HistoryHonors250

Explore more stories from the Mother Road and celebrate 100 years of Route 66: https://www.history.com/collections/route-66

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