On this day – February 25th

Amazing pedestrian feat

As reported in the Annual Register of 1829

Great Walking Match

This Herculean undertaking to walk twenty miles backward and twenty miles forward in eight hours took place today, February 25th 1828, at Notting Hill.
The pedestrian was a hawker of fish at Ealing , named Earl, and was backed by Briton, a person known slightly in sporting circles.
The start took place at half-past nine in the morning. A vast number of persons assembled to witness the performance which eclipsed anything before attempted.
The pedestrian accomplished the task at twenty-four minutes past five, one minute within the given time.
The pedestrian never halted to take refreshment during the match.

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