This fictionalized excerpt is from Drums Along the Mohawk, by Walter D. Edmonds. The story is set in New York's Mohawk Valley during the American Revolution. Adam Helmer was a scout who was running to warn the settlers at German Flats of an impending attack (directed by British agents) from the Mohawks. The straight line distance he had to run was 30 miles. His actual route was far from straight, it was winding and hilly. Trailed by a pack of running warriors, Adam was MOTIVATED to run fast. The Mohawks had been trying to run him down (over a woodland trail and across streams) with "surge" tactics - one man sprinting up at a time, while the other warriors pace themselves until it's their turn.
"As he chanced a backward glance, he saw that the Indians were going to try and run him down now. The new man was there and it was evident that he was their best man...
The Indians' legs moved with great rapidity. He had already taken his tomahawk from his belt as if he were confident of being able to haul up on the white man. The gesture gave Adam the incentive he needed. He was enraged, and he took his rage out in his running ...
It was the greatest running the Indian had ever looked at. He knew he was licked, and he started slowing up very gradually. By the time Adam hit the woods, the Indian had stopped and sat down by the roadside.
When Adam looked back from the woods, the Indian wasn't even looking at him. He was all alone in the clearing and he was futilely banging the ground between his legs with his tomahawk. Adam knew he had made it. He did not stop, nor even let down quickly on his pace. All he had to race now was time. He would have laughed if he could have got the breath for it. Time? Time, hell!”
Which just goes to show some runs are not about time nor distance!
True Story of the Historic Run Which Carried the Warning of Brant's Indian Raid to German Flats
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