Why is this man running?

Answer: This is Andy Payne of Oklahoma taking part in the 1928 “Bunyon Derby”- a foot race across America. Participants ran 40-70 mile per day! Payne was the eventual winner, taking the $25,000 prize (he paid off his Dad’s farm). The location of the photo remains a mystery. The data said Flagstaff, but with no exact location information.