Mike Kelly #224 became the spokesperson for some of the runners. The poor food, terrible living conditions and C. C. Pyle’s heartless treatment of the runners were the main complaints. Kelly and a few of his compatriots made a point of taking their time to each checkpoint. They would take long lunches or nap in convenient spots. Swimming and fishing became favorite pastimes for this group whenever the opportunity presented itself. Mike Kelly and his “gang” would wait in the dark, a few yards away from the checkpoint, and run in at the last possible second to midnight to avoid being disqualified from the race. Kelly finished 54th in the race. The whole intent was to cost the organizer, C. C. Pyle, money. Pyle still had to pay each runner for daily meals and lodging at night.

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