Episode 300: The NYC Marathon and the History of Long-Distance Racing

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the return of the New York City Marathon and the history of long-distance racing.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: 

• The fiftieth New York City Marathon was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus, but the race has returned this year. Natalia referred to historian Dylan Gottlieb’s Public Seminar article about the origins of the race and to runner Kathrine Switzer’s memoir, Marathon Woman.

In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

• Natalia shared the latest episode of Vox Media’s Nice Try podcast, on which she contributes to a discussion of the history of the weight as a fitness accessory.
• Neil discussed the 2006 Chicago Tribune article, “Sushi and Rev. Moon.”
• Niki recommended a new podcast, Unclear and Present Danger, from Jamelle Bouie and John Ganz.