Bannister Miles Returns for 2026
The University of Oxford and Oxford University Cross Country Club (OUCCC) are very excited to announce that the 2026 edition of Bannister Miles will be held on Monday 4th May. The event, which celebrates the breaking of the four-minute-mile barrier by Sir Roger Bannister in 1954, will feature both the Community Mile and Track Races. Both the University and Club remain committed to inspiring people of all ages and abilities through sport, especially in the run up to the 75th Anniversary of Bannister’s historic run and this year will have free entries for local school children. Last year over 1200 runners completed the Community Mile while on the track four men managed to break the magical 4min barrier. They were led home by British Road 10km record holder, Joe Wigfield.
Bannister Community Mile
Entries are now open and the Community Mile, once again sponsored this year by local Oxfordshire law firm Blake Morgan, is open to all ages and abilities, with free entry for children under the age of six. Thousands of people from Oxford and beyond are invited to join in a celebration of sport and community. With entries limited, participants are encouraged to sign up and secure a place in this event. Starting at 9am, waves of runners in the Community Mile will depart from St Aldate’s and finish on Iffley Road. Finishers’ medals will be presented at the Sir Roger Bannister Track.
Bannister Track Miles
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 famous dark blue track. The races will encompass heats for athletes aged nine and over, as well as para-athletes and high-level amateur runners. Proceedings will conclude with elite men’s and women’s mile races, with the respective British Milers Club male and female records of 3.55.70 and 4:27.79 a key target. Two years ago Olympian Ossama Meslek ran 3.56.15 to set the Iffley Road track record and push the BMC record. With experienced professional pacer Ben Claridge returning we are hoping an athlete or two up to break both records.
Spectators are welcome at Iffley Road Track throughout the day, with food and drink vendors and fitness groups present. The whole community is invited to attend and spectate the track meet free of charge, with walk-ins welcome on the day.
Tamsin Sangster, Women’s Captain of Oxford University Cross Country Club: “OUCCC is excited to welcome the Bannister Miles races back to Oxford in May. The last two years have seen so many inspiring performances in both the Community Mile, as well as later on the track, to celebrate Sir Roger Bannister’s legacy. This year will be no different as athletes return to Iffley Road to take on the challenge – whether a personal running goal or to break track records. Good luck to all the runners out there!”
Benjamin McCartney, Club Captain of Oxford University Cross Country Club: “It’s always a privilege to witness a sub-four-minute mile at its historic home on Iffley Road. Last year, we welcomed our strongest and most competitive fields to date, and we’re excited to build on that momentum in 2026. We’re proud that Bannister Miles has established itself as the UK’s premier mile races for both amateur and professional athletes alike.”
Further details about the celebrations are available on the Bannister Miles website and social media accounts:
https://bannistermiles.org.uk/
