These are extracts of a translation from the preface of the book "60 Marathonstrecken hat eine Stunde" (60 marathons in one hour) written by Kurt Hahn. The book deals with the "target-60-marathon".
"Target-60-marathon" is about finishing 60 marathons within lifetime. Ideally these 60 marathons are run on 60 different courses. There is a time-frame of 60 minutes. The goal is to finish one marathon on every single minute. Six other contests which are not classical marathons are allowed (these contests cannot be entered into marathon-bestlists, because of special conditions):
One "Joker": A relay race covering the total distance of a marathon. The maximal number of participants may be 6. The "target-60-marathon"-contestant as the last runner has to run at least 5 km (or 3 miles) before crossing the finishing line.
One marathon-distance to be covered within 24 hours split into four parts at most.
One individiual long-distance-contest of your own choice to be mastered by muscular power only. The shortest distance must amount 42, 195 km (26 miles and 385 yards), it may also be longer, if you decide. Examples for these contests are e.g. a triathlon (olympic distance), a not exactly surveyed marathon, a 50 km race, a walk-contest, a bicycle-contest, a boat- or paddle-race, a race on rollerblades, a marathon in a wheelchair ... It should be an individual genuine challenge.
One friendship-finish. It has to be an official long distance-contest which somebody else (partner/friend) had run and given to the "target-60-marathon" -participant as a present. This finishing time may be included in the "target-60-marathon" time frame.
Each marathon-distance run as part of another contest (e.g. triathlon/duathlon).
Each marathon-distance within an ultra long distance race.
Each contest as in No. 1. - 4. has to be backed by an additional marathon.
The finishing-time is not important and will not be included in the "target-60-marathon"-contest.
Each marathon distance, irregardless if part of long distance contest or classic marathon,
has to be officially measured and recorded. Moreover all contests mentioned in No. 1. - 6.
are not allowed ti be neither the fastest nor the slowest time in your "target-60-marathon"-contest.
All this seems to be more complicated than it is. If you are able to present 60 marathons
in 60 different times (hours/minutes) within a time frame of 60 minutes you have reached
your goal. All the a.m. special contests are meant to help you to succed in the "target-60-marathon",
which is, indeed, not an easy task.
If you wonder why you should participate at all, I will give you the answer: Because of
this contest you will have a long-term goal in life, which will keep up your motivation
for many years.
The idea of "target-60-marathon" lets you enjoy even slower races.
Sometimes you may be prapared very well after months of intensive training, but the result
of the race - because of unfavourabale circumstances (the weather was not ideal, the
course was too difficult or you were just not in form) - was not satidfactory. I am sure
this happenes to almost every marathon-runner. Some people avoid difficult and slow
marathon-courses bescause they fear bad results, although they may lead through scenic
route. Others loose the motivation to run marathons, because they are no longer capable of
achieving the former results. The ones who have become faster usually do not want to be
reminded of their slower races.
Now with the "target-60-marathon" even a "bad result" may
"fits in" wonderfully.
Since several years city-marathons use a "chip" for time measurement, so that
you obtain a so-called "gross-time" (from starting shot until the crossing of
the finishing-line). I would like to note, that in thes cases it is allowed to use either
the gross-time or net-time for the "target-60-marathon".
Each participant may choose the "time-frame" of his "target-60-marathon"
on his own. Results may be improved after each race or more enjoyable but slow race may
follow.
Finishing marathons on unknown courses raises the allurement of the
marathon-adventure, but it is not condition.
In case you would like to take part in the "target-60-marathon", please
write to me. Your data will surley be published. The only condition for participation is
to have finished at least 10 marathons within the one-hour-time-frame and an organization
fee.
Each "target-60-marathon"-participant should send me his results once a
year. Whenever there are no more new results for more than 3 years, the participant will
be taken out of the contest.
"Target-60-Marathon"-runners, who have succeeded will be awarded with a
numbered certificate, documenting their succesful perormance.
I am looking forward to welcoming you as a new "target-60-marathon"-participant
soon.
Yours sincerely
Kurt Hahn