St. Louis Marathon: The Bizarre Spectacle of Olympic History

The St. Louis Marathon of 1904 stands out as one of the most absurd events in Olympic history, showcasing a bizarre spectacle that defies conventional athletic norms. This peculiar race, part of the first-ever Olympic Games held in the United States, was intertwined with the World’s Fair of the same year, lacking the grandeur of previous Olympic editions.

The marathon, spanning 24.85 miles, unfolded in scorching heat on a dusty, unpaved course through the Missouri plains. With only one water stop available at the 12-mile mark, the conditions were grueling, leading to the lowest number of finishers in Olympic history, with only 14 out of 32 participants completing the race.

Among the eclectic mix of runners was Fred Lorz, who initially appeared as the victor but was later exposed for hitching a ride in a car for a portion of the race before crossing the finish line. Another memorable competitor was Cuba’s Félix Carvajal, who, after snacking on rotten apples, suffered stomach cramps and a nap by the roadside yet managed to secure a fourth-place finish.

The eventual winner, Thomas Hicks of the USA, completed the race in a record slow time, aided by his trainers throughout the course. Hicks, in a delirious state, was carried over the finish line, believing he had more miles to run. The absurdity of the race extended to South Africa’s Len Taunyane, chased off course by wild dogs, and William Garcia of California, who endured a near-fatal stomach hemorrhage from ingesting dust.

The aftermath of this outlandish event was equally remarkable. The controversy surrounding the race nearly led to its exclusion from future Olympics. Fred Lorz faced a lifetime ban for his deceptive actions, later overturned to allow him to win the Boston Marathon. Félix Carvajal’s mysterious disappearance before a race in Athens left his whereabouts unknown for a year, sparking rumors of his demise.

Despite the chaos and unconventional nature of the 1904 St. Louis Marathon, the participants, including the enigmatic winner Thomas Hicks, continued their athletic endeavors, albeit never encountering such absurdity again. This race remains a testament to the unpredictable and eccentric moments that have colored the rich tapestry of Olympic history.