In 1902, Appleby set a world record for 15 miles and twice defeated the leading distance runner of the time, Alfred Shrubb.
[8][9] This time Appleby led most of the way; Shrubb stayed with him until the last lap, and although he eventually lost by 11 seconds he was also well under the previous records.
[1][12] He twice faced Paul Acoose,[14] an upcoming Native Canadian runner, over 15 miles;[15] Acoose won the first race by a lap, running 1:22:22, an indoor world record for the distance,[15][16] while Appleby won the rematch after tacks were thrown on the track.
[15][17] Appleby, with his thick rubber-soled shoes, was not inconvenienced by the tacks, while Acoose, who had been in the lead, used moccasins that they easily penetrated; he was forced to quit.
[17] Gamblers backing Appleby were suspected, and all bets on the race were eventually declared void.