440: 1923

The rules must have changed between the time this picture was taken and when I ran track 51 years later. A 440 (400 meters now) would have a full stagger start and the entire race would be run in lanes. I wonder if this was really a half mile or mile, although even the 880 is usually run with a stagger start.

Ran track with his brothers in high school and college in the 30's. We have some old pictures of them, and they all have this same general look. The track, the uniforms, the shoes, haircuts - I don't think there were many changes in racing "technology" between 1923 and 1935.

The inside guys are already getting crowded out in this shot. It's always more fun to be on the outside crashing in than trying to hold your line against a bunch of elbows.