26 Hour Walking Race Championship Belt

26 Hour Walking Race Championship Belt

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Description
Blue and white leather belt with three oval shaped, brass medallions and one square brass medallion attached to front; two straps and buckles on back for attaching to waist.
This belt was awared to competitive walker Earl Tracy, who in 1879 travelled 95 miles in 26 hours. Tracy was the only competitor to finish the race, which began at the Concordia Opera House in Baltimore, Maryland and concluded in Washington, DC. The donor's father claimed that Tracy later wore the belt to state and country fairs.
Competitive walking, also known as pedestrianism, was among the most popular activities for wagering during the 18th and 19th centuries. The sport has evolved into modern racewalking.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
belt
date made
1879
Physical Description
leather (overall material)
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 4 1/2 in x 36 1/2 in; 11.43 cm x 92.71 cm
ID Number
1992.0041.01
catalog number
1992.0041.01
accession number
1992.0041
Credit Line
Frank E. Shumard
subject
Racing
Walking
Sports
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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