User:Cstarj/Joquiste

Joquiste  is the act of running through a thick substance. Most commonly performed during Joquiste Tournaments, but it is also commonly done in a recreational setting for pleasure. Various substance used include mud, wet sand, and/or swamp. Joquiste often ends with Fatigue and is considered the hardest form of running. Athletes that partake in Joquiste are known as "Joquistadors"

Origins
Joquiste dates back to the 16th century in Eastern Europe. Many myths site that the first Joquiste tournament was held in Prague. After a major flood, the streets were filled with muck and mire. Despite the chaos in the city, a race was held to boost the city's moral. Legend has it that the many men lined up in the street in hope of being the winner. After one minute Nicholas Mercurio had traversed the longest distance and was crowned champion. While the historical value of this legend is disputed, Joquiste undeniably has its roots in Prague.

Development and Modernization
This first recorded official Joquiste tournament was held in Prague in the year 1853. Eventually, the amount of time for an official Joquiste race was agreed upon as 1 minute. (In all likelihood, it had been much longer before. This is one of the reasons the legend is generally regarded as false.)  The winner of this race was a local merchant named Kristofer Rüshe. He is believed by many to be the inspiration for the Czech folk hero Nicholas Mercurio. Also, six time annual champion, (and one time world champion) Stu Mason's nickname is "the Rüshe" in honor of the sport's founder.

Modern Competition
Every 8th year the Joquiste Tournament is held in Prague. Sticking to the legend, athletes line up in the center of Prague, Chlatz St., and try to run as far as they can in one minute. The world record is 341.3 meters, set in 1997 by Andrew Loane. The Joquiste Committee, formed in 1989 has been trying to get Joquiste approved as an Olympic event, but thus far their efforts have been unsuccessful. This is in large part because the popularity of Joquiste is confined to Eastern Europe.