Camden Courier-Post – June 20, 1933
Joe Welsh and Helen Stevens Win $1000; Set Record for East
Joe Welsh, of Camden, and Helen Stevens, of Philadelphia, last night won the Walkathon contest which has been in progress at Central Airport for 3175 continuous hours, setting up a new record for the East.
When Bobby Watson, partner and wife of Richey Neilson, took the third fall for that couple at 10.35 p. m., last night the contest automatically ended.
Thunderous applause greeted the winners from thousands packed in the hangar. The two couples began a continuous elimination treadmill at 9.15 p.m., Saturday and it progressed for 49 hours and 20 minutes before the losing couple was counted out. During that period the contestants were allowed but five minutes rest every two hours.
The management announced that 2000 fans remained in the hangar continuously during the treadmill to see that the contest was on the level. Neilson took the first fall at 9.08 p.m., Sunday. Miss Stevens fell at 12.18 p.m. yesterday. Welsh fell at 9.15 p.m. last night. Neilson slumped at 9.40 p.m. and Miss Watson toppled for the losing fall at 10.35.
The grand ball will be held at the hangar tonight at which time the Courier-Post newspapers will present the $1000 prize to the winners. The money was posted by the management of the Walkathon with the newspapers at the beginning of the contest.
The winning couple will also be presented with diamond rings by Herman Tull, 2581 Baird Boulevard.
The contest was short of breaking a record on the West Coast by 30 hours. It was actually in progress 3172 hours and 35 minutes. It began with 45 couples.
Join the discussion!