July 12, 1809 - Robert Barclay walks 1,000 miles in 1,000 consecutive hours

Today is Saturday, July 12, 2025, and on this day in 1809, Captain Robert Barclay finished his final of 1,000 miles, walked in 1,000 consecutive days, a feat that took an astonishing 42 days in all. First we'll discuss the background of this so-called "father of pedestrianism", then we'll hear how the monumental walk played out over the course of 6 weeks, and finally we'll learn if anyone has been crazy enough to attempt the "Barclay Match" in the two centuries since. It's #SaltySaturday, which means that today's episode is sponsored by SaltStick. This is, hands down, my favorite way to consume electrolytes mid-run. Right now until July 20th, SaltStick has a Strava challenge going on in conjunction with Fleet Feet. All you have to do is sign up here, run 5K between now and next Sunday, and you will automatically receive a sample pack of SaltStick! Even cooler, one entrant will receive a $5,000 shopping spree to their local Fleet Feet! Listeners of the pod can also save 20% off of your SaltStick purchase by using this link. This episode was edited and produced by my good friend and confidant, Rob Garcia. Check out his podcast, ⁠Rob on the Run on Youtube⁠, or on Instagram as @robontherunpod. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share, then connect with me on ⁠Instagram as well at @running_up_that_hillary⁠, or check out my website at runningupthathillary.com.  Bibliography: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/9270 https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/01/11/robert-barclay-allardice-is-the-father-of-pedestrianism-he-walked-1000-miles-in-1000-hours/ https://sshf.sportscotland.org.uk/inductees/captain-robert-barclay-allardice/index.html https://ultrarunninghistory.com/1000-milers-part-2/ https://ultrarunninghistory.com/1000-milers-1/ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/athletics/london_marathon_2003/2945711.stm