The reporter explains: “The spirit that dominated the Olympic Games in the days when Greece stood high in the nations of the world, is still with us. And although we, in Australia, have not our annual gatherings at which the cream of athletes compete as in the days of Athens, we still have the stamina and indomitable spirit that made Greece famous.

“Bathurst, through its local champion, ‘Sam’ Jennings, was yesterday afforded an example of this, when he walked from Orange to Bathurst, a distance of 30 miles, in seven hours, 11½ minutes.

“When he reached the Post Office in Russell Street after his great feat, the crowd did not crown him with a garland of honour, they did what is perhaps more acceptable in Australia - warmly welcomed him, and he deserved it. 

“The road was by no means good - a factor which militated strongly against the champion doing the distance in a shorter time. As it was, he covered it on an average of one mile in 12 minutes. When the walk was first mooted much scepticism prevailed as to the ability of Jennings to do the task, but when the day approached, and the state of the road became so pronouncedly bad, the scepticism changed into certainty.

“A local sport laid a wager of £20 to £16 that ‘Sam’ would fail.  Several smaller ones were also booked. But the pedestrian enthusiast, nothing daunted, made his preparations, and at 9.40 yesterday morning, in good condition, he left Orange (at the other side of Green Gate, on the Molong road) for Bathurst - a distance of 36 miles.

“A large crowd assembled to see the Bathurst ‘Dorando’ leave, and, as encouragement, cheered him heartily. Down through Summer Street he went, getting into a steady, even stride. A light drizzling rain was falling at the time of his departure, but this ceased soon afterwards though there was much low cloud.

“The conditions were all against Jennings and Lucknow was the worst spot in the road. Two miles this side of this centre he had a couple of sandwiches, a milk cake and a drink of sherry and lemonade. 

“At Lucknow Mr. George Hill had released a couple of homing pigeons letting organisers know where they were. Going at the rate of about one mile in 11 minutes, Jennings reached Guyong, where he was enthusiastically greeted.

“Enroute much interest was displayed, and this materially cheered Sam on. At the Rocks, which he reached in a very fine condition, he was met by some sporting enthusiasts who followed him in motor cars to Bathurst. Pigeons were also released here, as at Orange, and Guyong. 

“Going down the hill from the Rocks into Dunkeld he found fairly difficult work, and slightly slackened his speed whilst ascending the stiff Dunkeld Hill. Thence he spurred onward for home, which was now in sight.

“The last stretch was done in a steady stride. Passing the Bathurst Gaol, he turned into Stewart Street where large numbers of locals, young and old, greeted him. Then he entered Keppel and George Streets, and finally reached the Post Office in Russell Street, beside the Court House, where he arrived at 4.51½pm.  

“A big crowd had assembled here, and intense excitement prevailed. Coming around the corner from George Street, Sam was followed by horse riders, horse-drawn vehicles, motor cars and aspiring pedestrians, who paced him for the last few yards. 

“To the sound of deafening cheers the Bathurst ‘Dorando’ ended his great walk under the specified time whereupon he immediately retired to the Edinboro Castle Hotel, where he had a hot bath.”