Today is Saturday, July 12, 2025, and on this day in 1809, Captain Robert Barclay finished his final of 1,000 miles, walked in 1,000 consecutive days, a feat that took an astonishing 42 days in all.

First we'll discuss the background of this so-called "father of pedestrianism", then we'll hear how the monumental walk played out over the course of 6 weeks, and finally we'll learn if anyone has been crazy enough to attempt the "Barclay Match" in the two centuries since.

It's #SaltySaturday, which means that today's episode is sponsored by SaltStick. This is, hands down, my favorite way to consume electrolytes mid-run.

Right now until July 20th, SaltStick has a Strava challenge going on in conjunction with Fleet Feet. All you have to do is sign up here, run 5K between now and next Sunday, and you will automatically receive a sample pack of SaltStick!

Even cooler, one entrant will receive a $5,000 shopping spree to their local Fleet Feet!

Listeners of the pod can also save 20% off of your SaltStick purchase by using this link.

This episode was edited and produced by my good friend and confidant, Rob Garcia. Check out his podcast, ⁠Rob on the Run on Youtube⁠, or on Instagram as @robontherunpod.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share, then connect with me on ⁠Instagram as well at @running_up_that_hillary⁠, or check out my website at runningupthathillary.com. 

Bibliography:

• https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/9270

• https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/01/11/robert-barclay-allardice-is-the-father-of-pedestrianism-he-walked-1000-miles-in-1000-hours/

• https://sshf.sportscotland.org.uk/inductees/captain-robert-barclay-allardice/index.html

• https://ultrarunninghistory.com/1000-milers-part-2/

• https://ultrarunninghistory.com/1000-milers-1/

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/athletics/