In 1928, C.C. Pyle, an American sports agent and promoter, organised one of the most amazing endurance races ever seen writes The Extra Miler.

His multi stage race crossed the USA from coast to coast covering some 3,500 miles over the newly constructed Route 66 in just 84 days. The competitors endured absolutely dreadful conditions en route in pursuit of the first prize of $25,000. As perhaps might be anticipated, there was an Irishman in amongst the leading runners.

Irish immigrant Mike Joyce, left his unhappy wife and children behind him in Cleveland and took to the road, taking the family’s meagre savings with him on his adventure. He eventually finished the race in fourth place and earned $2,500 for his trouble.

The race has inspired a number of books over the years but a recently published account provides a hugely entertaining day-to-day insight into the day to day life of the runners and the travelling circus that surrounded the event. Geoff Williams’ book, “C.C. Pyle’s Amazing Foot Race: The True Story of the 1928 Coast-to-Coast Run Across America” is published by Rodale Books.