Andy Payne

Andy Payne was only 20-years old when he traveled across the United States to capture the first International Trans-Continental Foot Race. Along with 275 runners from around the world, Payne entered the 3422.3-mile race that snaked across ten states.

The race course, promoted as the "Main Street of America", kicked off in Los Angeles and went through such communities as Flagstaff, AZ; El Reno, OK; St. Louis, MO; and Chicago, IL, before concluding at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

Payne was among six Americans that entered the race, and none were expected to finish. The competition was not Payne's only obstacle. He faced harsh terrain and diverse weather conditions. Even with tonsillitis from running in freezing rain, Payne crossed into Oklahoma leading the 80 people still remaining in the race.

His running style was one described as 'one that just kept moving forward'. It is also reported that he trained for track by running on gravel and paved surfaces in eastern Oklahoma, as well as in all weather conditions. The training paid off, as the high school track star not only finished, but won the race.

Not including rest stops, Payne average 60 miles per day to complete the race in 573 hours, 4 minutes and 34 seconds. He beat his nearest competitor by 15 hours. The "Hoofing Kid from Claremore", as the New York Times dubbed him, became a national hero. He stole headlines from the days biggest stars, Babe Ruth and boxer Gene Tunney.

It was widely reported that Payne entered the race for the $25,000 grand prize, so he could help his family pay off debts during the Great Depression. He graduated from Oklahoma City University Law School and was elected Clerk of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma in 1934. He held that position for 38 years. Payne died in 1977.

He was inducted into the Oklahoma Long Distance Running Wall of Fame in 1998.