On the brink of the Great Depression, $25,000 sent desperate men running 3,400 miles through dust, mud, and heat—discover the forgotten race that tested the absolute limit of human survival.

In 1928, Route 66 was just two years old and needed some desperate publicity. A flamboyant sports agent, CC Pyle, suggested that a 3,200 mile footrace from Los Angeles to New York City take place with a grand prize of $25,000 to the first place winner. Almost 200 runners enterted the race, from international olympians to local farm boys to begin what would become the race of the century. This is there story.