Thanks Ram . . .
I once listened in on a conversation with some senior pilots back in the early 80's. Supposedly, there were two flights that were delayed going to the same destination, and they were leaving at the same time. This was in the 50's when there were Propeller Aircraft, only. They decided to make a bet of it to see who arrived 1st. Well, they taxied out to the end of the runway, one aircraft was in front of the other. The one behind decided to cut across the infield to beat the other to the runway !!!
I can't imagine taking an aircraft full of passengers across the grass strip like that. Back then, things certainly weren't regulated like they are now . . .