ZUM4894040: Nov. 11, 1953 - South African Athlete of 46 sets up new record 24 hour record of nearly 160 miles... I none of the greatest endurance feats in athletic history Wally Hayward a 45 year old Jonnehsburg building inspector finished an exhausted man after running 150 miles 562 yards in 24 hours on the Motspur Park, Surrey, track this afternoon. he thus beating the previous best set up by Arthur Newton in 1931. The only man to keep up with him was Derek Reynolds a 39 year old Blacksmith Harrier whose total distance was 154 miles 1,226 yards, the best distance ever covered by a British amateur.. / Bridgeman Images