Run celebrating Sir Roger Bannister to become annual event
An event held for the first time last year to celebrate Sir Roger Bannister's record-breaking four-minute mile in Oxford will become an annual fixture in the city.
Following the success of Bannister Miles 2024, which welcomed more than 2,000 participants, the University of Oxford and Oxford University Cross Country Club (OUCCC) has announced it will return for 2025.
Last year's event saw Ossama Meslek set an Iffley Road track record of 3.56.15.
Ossama Meslek set an Iffley Road track record of 3.56.15 last year (Image: Will Palmer/Bannister Miles)
Ossama Meslek (Image: Will Palmer/Bannister Miles) The decision to make it an annual event is part of a wider project to expand Bannister Miles in the run-up to the 75th anniversary of Sir Roger's historic achievement in 2029.
Samuel Waite, men's captain of Oxford University Cross Country Club, said: "We cannot wait to welcome some of the UK's top athletes back to Iffley Road.
"Adding to the excitement, last year's event saw the Iffley Road track record broken, proving that this historic venue still inspires remarkable performances.
Bannister Miles 2024 (Image: Bannister Miles) "With the new track surface and a growing legacy, anticipation is high for another thrilling year of racing, where athletes may once again push the limits of human endurance.'
The Bannister Community Mile and Bannister Track Races are scheduled for Monday, May 5, and will follow a similar format to last year.
The Community Mile, open to all ages and abilities, will begin at 9am, with waves of runners departing from St Aldate's.
Bannister Miles 2024 (Image: Bannister Miles) Participants will progress down Oxford's High Street, before finishing at Iffley Road.
Finishers will receive their medals at the Sir Roger Bannister Track.
The Community Mile welcomes thousands from Oxford and beyond to celebrate community, sport, and physical activity.
Children under six can enter for free and it is also open to all ages and abilities.
In the afternoon, athletes from across the country will compete in a series of track races organised by OUCCC and the British Milers' Club on the newly resurfaced world athletics certified track.
Bannister Miles 2024 (Image: Will Palmer/Bannister Miles) The races will include heats for athletes aged nine and older, including para-athletes and high-level amateur runners.
The event will end with elite men's and women's mile races, and the mile steeplechase, which made its global debut in Oxford last year, will also return.
Spectators are welcome at Iffley Road Track throughout the day. There will be food and drink vendors and fitness groups present.
Bannister Miles 2024 (Image: Will Palmer/Bannister Miles) Thurstan Bannister, Sir Roger's son, said: "The events are going from strength to strength.
"The mile distance, whether on the high or round the track is fulfilling for everyone – from the eight-year-old trying it out with her mum, to the near-pro aiming to qualify for international events.
"Seeing the Bannister Miles providing these opportunities and expanding year on year makes my heart sing."
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