Making History Come Alive Newsletter Offers The 1904 Olympic Marathon, held during the St. Louis World's Fair, is often remembered as one of the most bizarre and chaotic events in Olympic history.

Here’s a detailed look at the race and the unusual circumstances surrounding it:

The Context

- St. Louis World's Fair: The 1904 Summer Olympics were part of the St. Louis World's Fair, which was intended to showcase American culture and innovation. The Games were the first Olympics held in the United States and were poorly organized compared to previous Olympic events.

- Limited Participation: The 1904 Olympics featured a small number of athletes, with only 62 competitors participating in the marathon, a significant reduction compared to modern Olympic standards.

The Marathon Race

- Route and Conditions: The marathon took place on August 30, 1904, and covered a distance of 24.85 miles (39.9 kilometers) through the streets of St. Louis. The course was poorly marked, and the weather was oppressive, with high temperatures reaching approximately 90°F (32°C) and humidity levels that made conditions even more challenging.

- Unusual Participants: The race featured a mix of athletes from various backgrounds. One notable participant was Fred Lorz, an American runner who became infamous for his unconventional approach to the marathon.

The Race Itself

- Start of the Race: The marathon began at 3 p.m., and many runners faced immediate difficulties due to the heat and humidity. The course included several unpaved sections, leading to dust clouds and difficult running conditions.

- Lorz's Controversial Finish: Fred Lorz initially completed the race in first place, but it was later revealed that he had only run the first portion of the marathon. After about 9 miles, he had become exhausted and hitched a ride in a car for a significant part of the race. He then rejoined the race just before the finish line, where he crossed first. His deception was discovered, and he was disqualified.

- The Actual Winner: The eventual winner was Thomas Hicks, an American runner who faced his own challenges. Hicks was near collapse by the end of the race and was aided by his trainers, who gave him strychnine (a stimulant) and brandy to keep him going. After crossing the finish line, Hicks collapsed and required medical attention.