Tea with Mr Newton: 100,000 Miles - The Longest Protest March in History

British author Rob Hadgraft specialises in biographies of marathon and ultra-distance runners. All are available worldwide as ebooks. His five subjects to date are:1. The Little Wonder: The Untold Story of Alfred Shrubb - World Champion Runner.2. Beer and Brine: The Making of Walter George - Athletics' First Superstar.3. Deerfoot: Athletics' Noble Savage - From Indian Reservation to Champion of the World.4. Tea with Mr Newton: 100,000 Miles - The Longest Protest March in History.5. Plimsolls On, Eyeballs Out: The Rise and Horrendous Fall of Marathon Legend Jim Peters. Vicars son Arthur Newton became a long-distance running legend by accident. Aged 38, he found himself embroiled in a land dispute with the South African government. To attract publicity for his cause, he ran the Comrades Marathon, a newly launched 54-mile footrace. This ageing novice did not just finish, he actually won. It sparked the longest protest march in history, for the pipe-smoking Englishman took up distance running full-time. He covered 100,000 miles (the equivalent of four times round the Earth) and set world-best times over various distances. Although the South African government refused to budge, Newton carved a niche among the great figures of world athletics. Finally quitting aged 51, Newton turned to coaching and retired to the London suburbs. His house became a magnet for distance runners the world over. Champions and novices arrived to meet the author of acclaimed books and articles. They enjoyed endless supplies of tea, cake and advice. As every distance runner worth his salt knew, Tea with Mr Newton was an essential part of any training schedule.