Clay was now prepared to go the full distance and bring down the house.
The race did not run its full distance as the 2 hour time limit came into effect.
Likewise, when a man has stretched away his full distance, he will return with a lot of power and spring.
Of the 30 competitors who began the event only 18 completed the full distance.
Leaping too early would be just as fatal if he could not cover the full distance.
The race can also be stopped short of the full distance for safety reasons if conditions are bad.
"It is nice to go the full distance and win the race," Johnson said.
Any length between 1% and 100% of full distance can be chosen.
Eventually, you'll work your way up to the full distance of the race, or at least 15 to 20 miles.
Charles is the only man ever to last the full 15-round distance against Marciano.