OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALLIST TO RACE AT BANNISTER MILES 2026

Laura Muir, Olympic Silver Medallist and National Record holder over the mile, is the lead entry in this year’s Bannister Track Miles. The 4:15.24 miler will toe the start line in the Millicent Fawcett Mile, at 5:45pm on the Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May, where there is hope she will break the longstanding track record of 4:27.79 set by Sonia O’Sullivan in 2004.

UK Athletics’ Millicent Fawcett Mile is the premier trophy mile race in the country, and this year will be held at Iffley Road as part of the third annual Bannister Miles celebrations. Past editions of the Millicent Fawcett Mile have seen winning performances, including the iconic win by Sifan Hassan, who ran 4:14.71 at the 2018 Muller Anniversary Games in London. The race commemorates Dame Millicent Fawcett (1847–1929), who led the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), whose mass campaign was instrumental in securing women’s first voting rights in 1918.

The weather forecast looks good for racing and spectating alike. Spectating at the track is free, and there will be food and drink available along with other stalls and activities during the afternoon. Track races start at 2.20 p.m. and include junior, senior, steeplechase, and para events. The day culminates with the elite men’s and women’s races beginning at 5:45pm. Full details can be found here.

RECORD NUMBERS TO TAKE TO THE OXFORD HIGH STREET IN THE BANNISTER COMMUNITY MILE

Prior to the track races, a record number of runners will take to the streets for the Bannister Community Mile. More than 1,300 people are entered including over 300 kids. This year is a truly family affair, with the Family Wave completely sold out. There has been so much interest that a second Family Wave has been opened in recent days. These waves will be started by Gordon Sanghera, the founder of the Sanghera Foundation, who this year have sponsored the event. Their support has enabled Bannister Miles to provide free places to local school children.

The first-wave runners will surge up St Aldates at 9 am before gliding down the High and finishing on Iffley Road.  To pick up their medals, at the same place where 72 years ago, Sir Roger Bannister was the first man to break the seemingly impenetrable barrier of running a mile in under four minutes. Medals will be handed out by partners of longstanding Bannister Miles supporter, local Oxfordshire law firm, Blake Morgan.

James Davies, Partner and Head of Blake Morgan’s Oxford office, who will be handing out medals on the day said:

“We’re delighted to support Bannister Miles, a much-loved event rooted in Oxford’s sporting and community heritage. The Bannister family’s contribution to the city goes without saying, and it’s a privilege for our firm to play a small part in an occasion that brings so many people together. We’re really looking forward to Bank Holiday Monday and to welcoming runners, especially when it comes to handing out the medals at the finish.”