Walker Runs His 100th Sub-Four-Minute Mile

New Zealander John Walker became the first athlete in history to run 100 sub-four minute miles, when he was timed in 3 minutes, 54.57 seconds Sunday night, achieving his much-sought after milestone in front of an enthusiastic, rain-soaked home crowd.

The 33-year-old former world mile record-holder, the first man to break the 3:50 barrier for the distance, and the 1976 Olympic 1,500-meter champion, was impressive in racing to the coveted victory.

Australian Pat Scammell finished second, and was followed by New Zealand’s Tony Rogers and Ireland’s Ray Flynn in the historic event at Mount Smart Stadium.

After running a 57.5 first-quarter and a 1:59 half-mile, Walker moved into the lead after the bell lap and never was in trouble.

The triumphant race signaled the end of Walker’s long program geared to head off American miler Steve Scott in the quest for 100 sub-four minute miles. Scott’s total is 96.

Since Dec. 15, 1984, Walker has run 12 sub-four minute miles in New Zealand and the United States to reach 100--a chase he began with a 3:58.8 clocking at Victoria, British Columbia July 7, 1973.

“Eat your heart out Steve Scott,” Walker said on television after the race.

Although the once-magical four-minute barrier, first broken by England’s Roger Bannister in 1954 now is the standard for any respectable miler, no runners other than Walker and Scott have even begun to approach the 100 mark. Bannister finished his career with only two sub-four minute miles.

“If someone had told Bannister about this as he staggered across the line--that someone would break four minutes 100 times--I think he would have been very dismayed,” said Walker.

“I feel elated,” Walker said after the race.

“I wanted to win here because this is my home track.”