Race-walking or “pedestrianism,” was one of America's favorite spectator sports prior to the advent of baseball, and Cayuga County boasted some of the foremost “pedestrians” around, including a world champion, Will Hoagland, who grew up in Union Springs and Montezuma.

Most pedestrians in the 19th century made a career out of walking. The entry fee, depending on the race, was as high as $100. To illustrate how popular the sport of heel and toe racing had become, Charles Rowell, long-distance English pedestrian, earned $50,000 after completing two races in 1879. This is equivalent to 100 years of salary in only 12 days work. Even the astonishing salaries of today's athletes don't compare to those winnings.

Most of the walkers had trainers that would help them get ready for the big races with well thought out strategies.

Another Montezuma resident, Henry (William H.) Bell, who married Will Hoagland's sister, Mary Louise, also took up the sport. He became fast enough to be a featured pedestrian in local races. Although he never achieved the fame or income of Will, he won enough to make it worthwhile. He supplemented his income during this period and, like professional athletes today, the more he won the more he earned.

According to newspaper articles, on Sept. 20, 1879, Henry competed in a race against W. B. Yawger and Fennimore Helmer in Montezuma. Bell lost, but a rematch with Helmer was scheduled in which Yawger donated $10 from his $25 winner's purse to Henry for his endurance.

On Sept. 24 in Montezuma, the rematch was held with only 10 cents being charged for admission. The walkers started at opposite sides of the circular track, and Henry quickly caught up to Helmer, “who was going at a tearing gait,” staying close on his heels throughout the 36-lap, five-mile race. At the end Edward Ross, the referee, ordered Henry “out,” meaning “finished.” Everyone assumed he had won, but Helmer's scorer claimed that Henry completed only 35 laps. The hall was well-filled and excitement ran high, but there was no way to re-calculate the actual number of laps completed, so Ross reluctantly called the race “off.”

In 1918, Louis Helmer, a telegraph operator of Montezuma, tried his skill with Gene and Joe (Harry) Howell of Conquest. The Howell's were also well-known pedestrian walkers in the area. Joe, known as the “Pride of Conquest,” also became world champion by winning a six-day walking race held in Jackson, Mich. in 1912.

Now, more than 125 years later, an old fashion pedestrian walk will once again be held in the Town of Montezuma during Community Days. Sponsored by the Montezuma Historical Society, heel and toe walkers can enter a “Just For the Fun of It Race” to highlight this once enjoyed sport. Two races will be held: one for entrants under 12 years old, and the second for 12 years and older. Ribbons will be awarded to the participants. The race will take place noon Saturday, Aug. 18, on the track at Memorial Park. For more information about entering the race, contact Stan Longyear at 776-8632.

Cheryl Longyear is historian for the town of Montezuma. She can be reached at 776-8632 or e-mail montezumahistorian@tds.net