3: Hardrock Simpson (1904-1978)

Paul “Hardrock” Simpson, of Burlington, North Carolina, was an elite colorful, professional ultrarunner of the late 1920s who worked to continue in the sport during the Great Depression. He was one of the very few talented ultradistance runners who bridged to the post-war modern era of ultrarunning in the 1950s. With creativity, charisma, and strong performances, he successfully captured the imagination of the nation during both the very difficult times of the 1930s and the post-war 1950s. During those periods, he was recognized as one of the greatest long-distance runners in America.