A 25-year-old Albany native is traversing the entire length of Route 66 on foot as part of an ambitious cross-country journey. Zach Fiske began his 2,448-mile run in Chicago on August 4 and is expected to reach Santa Monica, California on November 11. During his expedition through Rogers County, Fiske stopped to visit historical landmarks including the Andy Payne statue in Foyil and the Claremore Museum of History, where he deepened his knowledge of the area’s running heritage.
Fiske’s motivation stems from his fascination with the 1928 Bunion Derby, a historic transcontinental footrace won by local runner Andy Payne. The idea materialized after receiving a book about the event as a Christmas gift. “You just see so much, and get to experience things so much more visibly,” Fiske explained about his choice to run rather than drive the Mother Road. His daily running distance—approximately one marathon per day—pales in comparison to the 40-mile daily treks completed by Bunion Derby participants a century ago.
Fiske’s expedition is being documented by filmmakers Justin Clifton and Page Buono for a feature film currently in production. The documentary will contrast the experience of running Route 66 in modern times with what the journey would have resembled during the Bunion Derby era. Fiske serves as the project’s primary subject, offering contemporary perspective on the legendary highway and its cultural significance to American history.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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