One thing, however, he did insist on.

This was that each and every candidate entering for the Marathon fetch along with him a paper from his family physician, stating that he had undergone a rigid examination to ascertain whether he was in the pink of condition, and without the slightest heart trouble.
Doctor Cadmus gladly examined all the Scranton fellows free of charge, and it was given out to the neighboring towns, from whence aspiring runners hailed, that the lack of such a physician's certificate would debar any candidate from the race.
Hugh, along with several other fellows, intended to take a run of from seven to ten miles over the course that Friday afternoon.

They did not wish to follow out the entire course, as that might injure their prospects for the next day, so Mr.Leonard convinced them.

But half the distance would be apt to keep their muscles in good trim.
Before making a start, however, Hugh wished to hang around, and watch what the other fellows were doing.

He was deeply interested in the hammer throwing, as well as the sprinting, and, after seeing how well the boys acquitted themselves, felt more than ever assured that Scranton High would pull down quite a number of the fine prizes offered to successful competitors.
It was while things were thus booming that a car rolled past on the main road leading out of town.