One guy decided halfway through to hitch a ride in a car, then casually crossed the finish line like nothing had happened. Another, Félix Carvajal, stopped mid-race for a snack: rotten apples. Still managed to finish 4th. The winner was given strychnine (yes, poison) to “help” him finish the race.One guy decided halfway through to hitch a ride in a car, then casually crossed the finish line like nothing had happened. Another, Félix Carvajal, stopped mid-race for a snack: rotten apples. Still managed to finish 4th. The winner was given strychnine (yes, poison) to “help” him finish the race.

Curious about how this marathon became the most ridiculous race in Olympic history? You can read the full story in my newsletter! open.substack.com/pub/marinaamar…