As told by Richard Schmal Author of the "Pioneer History Column" which is printed monthly in the Lowell Tribune.   ... The "greatest foot race in the history of Lowell" took place during the  annual fourth of July celebration of 1881. According to a story written by a witness, a race track was staked out and runners raced to see who could run the most miles in two hours.  The big race began at two o'clock on a very hot and dry day with a large group of runners.  Wet sponges were offered to each runner along the race course.  After two hours, only four runners held on.  The favorite, Albert Webb was the winner.  He claimed he practiced running behind steam trains that ran between Shelby and Lowell.  Webb ran 20 miles in two hours ( 6 minute per mile pace )!  Second place finisher was David Fuller who ran 19 miles in two hours.  Other racers were August Sunderman, Ben Worley, and Al Kelsey.