In the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, a previously unknown marathon runner named Abebe Bikila stunned the crowd. The 28-year-old bodyguard representing Ethiopia sped through Rome's cobblestone streets and — just half a kilometer from the finish line — pulled ahead.

Bikila sprinted so quickly that he came in at 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 16.2 seconds. This was 25 seconds before the next finisher. He broke the world marathon record and became the first East African to win a gold medal at the Olympics. All without shoes.

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Just want to make sure all of you are aware of the Giveaway Contests we have on the site now and then. We will try to keep these contests running at least once per month. We have had a range of products in the past from minimalist footwear to nutritional snacks to head gear.

Currently, we have a Giveaway Contest from a new sponsor, HeadPeace, so please be sure to check them out. All you have to do is POST in the thread for your chance to win: https://www.thebarefootrunners.org/...y-expires-friday-june-12-2020-noon-est.22361/

Those members who donate to the site are able to increase their chances of winning. So, don't forget, when you donate to the BRS, you get a footprint added to your signature with the corresponding toes below. Once you have made a monetary donation to the BRS in a given calendar year, then you will be able to increase your...

The author, Peter Francis, is a member of the BRS:

Are running trainers doing more harm than good to your feet?
The Independent
This might be because barefoot runners usually have a shorter stride and more flexed hip, knee and ankle. They also tend to run more on the tip of their ......