Bannister Track Miles

The life and legacy of Sir Roger Bannister is to be celebrated on the 70th anniversary of his record-breaking four-minute mile with a track event of international calibre.

The event, on Monday 6 May, will allow a new generation of runners to mark Sir Roger’s extraordinary achievement and bring together outstanding athletes to compete at the same Iffley Road track where he pushed sporting boundaries.

It has been organised by Oxford University Athletic Club (OUAC) and the University of Oxford, with support from Oxfordshire County Council.

Athletes from across the country will compete in a series of track races organised by OUAC and the British Milers’ Club, supported by England Athletics. 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.

Spectators are welcome at Iffley Road Track throughout the day, with food and drink stalls, a pop-up World Athletics museum, and health and fitness groups all present. 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 – 164 years old – to the development of athletics. The whole community is invited to attend the track meet. Tickets will be available free-of-charge, with advance registration recommended.