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Running History: Video of Roger Bannister’s sub-4:00 Mile

Yesterday was the 60th anniversary of Roger Bannister’s sub-4:00 mile. In an interesting article titled “A Faster Human: Are We Unique In Our Ability To Get Better?,” NPR shared a great video of that famed run narrated by Sir Roger himself. It also included a video of Hicham El Guerrouj’s world record setting mile run from 1999. Both are well worth watching!

If you are interested in the story of the chase for the 4:00 mile, I highly recommend reading “The Perfect Mile” by Neal Bascomb. Interestingly enough, Bannister’s record breaking mile may not have even been his most exciting race – you can read about and see video of his 1954 Empire Games race against John Landy here.

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About Peter Larson

This post was authored by Peter Larson. Pete is a biology teacher, track/soccer coach, and dad (x3) with a passion for running, soccer, and science. If you'd like to learn a little bit more about who I am and what I do, click here, or visit petermlarson.com.

Comments

  1. I recently finished this book by Neal Bascomb, and he told this story about these three friendly competitors so very well. I was surprised to read how Wes Santee, a runner from Kansas who also ran for the University of Kansas, charted a different path after his days of running ended. He was an incredible runner in this remarkable trio, though Bannister will always be the one people remember.

  2. Greg Emerson says:

    This story is part of the storied legends of running and seems like ancient history. Yet, check out this new report from Bath, Maine that features a running minister who is still running strongly in his 80’s. So, why is he connected to the Roger Bannister story? Watch it to find out!
    http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/local/bath-brunswick/2014/05/06/bath-man-part-of-historical-race/8780291/

  3. Watch El Guerrouj right after the race. You can find a more extended version on Youtube.

    He runs over to the side, grabs some flowers, smiles and takes a victory lap.

    Compared with the finish of Bannister or many others, it makes me think he might have had even a little more in the tank.

  4. Thanks for posting these videos! I love how Bannister describes feeling “so full of running.”

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