Oxford University marks 70th anniversary of Sir Bannister’s four minute mile with mass mile
Waves of runners will depart from St Aldate’s progress down Oxford’s High Street before finishing on Iffley Road and collecting their finishers’ medal on the Iffley Road Track
Last updated 6th May 2024
The community mile is open to participants of all ages and abilities with World Athletics sponsoring waves for local schoolchildren as part of their Global Kids’ Athletic Day.
Thousands of people from Oxford and beyond will come together in a common celebration of community, sport, and physical activity.
Speaking about the event Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor said: "I grew up with a love of sport and remain a keen runner, committed to the transformative benefits of sport.
"Breaking the four-minute mile barrier has endured as a defining achievement in sporting history.
"The Bannister Miles will be a fitting way to mark this legacy, achieved at the University 70 years ago, and the Bannister Community Mile through the streets of Oxford will be a fitting way to celebrate together with our community Roger’s landmark achievement."
Later that day, athletes from across the country will compete in a series of track races organised by OUAC and the British Milers’ Club.
The races will encompass heats for athletes aged nine and over, as well as para-athletes and high-level amateur runners.
Finally, and precisely 70 years since Bannister set off, the meet will conclude with men’s and women’s elite miles, where a new generation of athletes will test their limits under the watchful eye of past mile world record holders.
The event is open to the Oxford community and spectators at Iffley Road Track throughout the day where there will be a pop-up World Athletics museum.
In the late afternoon, there will be a presentation of World Athletics Heritage Plaques in recognition of Bannister’s achievement and the contribution of OUAC to the development of athletics.