The Australasian, Saturday December 21, 1878, p.780.
W. EDWARDS, THE LONG DISTANCE CHAMPION
W. Edwards, the champion long-distance walker, yesterday evening commenced his arduous undertaking to walk 110 miles in 24 hours. The place selected for performing the feat is the Melbourne Cricket-ground, an oblong walk having been constructed in front of the grand stand, and slightly encroaching on the green. The walk is composed of ordinary planking nailed to joists laid on the ground. A canvas covering is stretched on poles overhead, to screen the pedestrian from the sun.
The rink was measured yesterday afternoon by Mr. J. S. Jenkins, town surveyor for
Shortly before the time for starting Edwards emerged from the tent in the centre of the rink in his walking dress, which is rather a peculiar one, the tights being of black satin, trimmed with delicate white lace. He is a well-made young man, 26 years of age, 5ft. 7½in. high, and weighs in his walking dress 9st. 8lb. He appears to be in the perfection of condition.
Exactly at 6 o'clock he started off with a light springy step, going over the ground at a good pace, and with great ease. He made the first miles in 1o minutes and 10 seconds, and on finding the time he was making he eased a little, and did the second mile in 11 minutes 7 seconds, and was keeping on at that pace. His rule is to walk about 30 miles, and then take a rest for about 20 minutes.
At a meeting held on Thursday night, several gentlemen volunteered to attend at certain times throughout the 24 hours, so that there should always be some one present to attend to the scoring-book. Of the three gentlemen who were to attend for the first three hours, not one was present. Mr. Mount, who was on the ground, acted as starter, and took charge of the scoring-book.
The task will be concluded at 6 o'clock this evening.
The Australasian, Saturday December 28, 1878, p.813.
W. EDWARDS, THE LONG DISTANCE
Edwards ... successfully concluded his task on Saturday evening, having six minutes to spare ... Although a heavy shower or two fell after midnight on Friday, the pedestrian had splendid weather on Saturday, but the attendance was meagre in the extreme, not more than 300 persons being present, and most of these were members of the club.
Commencing at 6 p.m. on Friday, he walked the first mile in 10m. 10s.; but easing up a bit in the second, he took 11m. 7s., and kept on at a nice swinging gait. The first 10 miles were done in 1h. 51m., the second in 1h. 52m., the third in 2h., the fourth in 2h. 21m., the fifth in 1h. 59m., and the sixth in 1h. 52½m.
Edwards rested for six minutes at the end of 50 miles, and when 60 were completed he rested for a longer time, and took some light food and refreshment. At 21 minutes to 9 a.m. he had completed 70 miles, and he did the next 10 in 2h. 3m. He rested for about 15 minutes at that stage, and then re-commenced walking, and by 11 minutes to 4 p.m. had accomplished 100 miles. There was then over two hours in which to do the last 10 miles, and so he consented to stand for the purpose of being photographed. The remaining 10 miles were travelled at an average of about 12 minutes per mile, the last lap being finished at 5.54 p.m., or 6 minutes before the 24 hours had elapsed.
During the latter portion of the journey, he was frequently cheered by the spectators, and when he finished he received an ovation. He was not much fatigued, and after a slight rest walked into town. As a recognition of the pluck he displayed in continuing his task under such dispiriting circumstances, a subscription was started on the ground, and something like £15 was raised for him.