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August 12, 1975 - first sub-3:50 mile, ran by John Walker
Today is Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 and on this day in 1975, New Zealander John Walker became the first human in history to run a mile faster than 3:50.
In this episode, we'll hear about the stray animal that kickstarted Walker's running career as a child, how the fateful race played out on that summer evening in Sweden, and the embarrassingly American error I made during my research.
It is #Tattoosday which means that this episode of Today in Running History is sponsored by MyRaceTatts, the creators of the running mantra temporary tattoos that I absolutely LOVE.
Listeners of Today in Running History can save 20% off your order using my code "Hillary" at checkout. Here is the link to MyRaceTatts.
This episode was edited and produced by my good friend and confidant, Rob Garcia. Check out his podcast, Rob on the Run on Youtube, or on Instagram as @robontherunpod.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share, then connect with me on Instagram as well at @running_up_that_hillary, or check out my website at runningupthathillary.com.
Bibliography:
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/john-walker-breaks-world-mile-record
https://www.runblogrun.com/2020/08/august-12th-1975-the-40th-anniversary-of-john-walkers-3494-world-record-mile-race.html
https://www.runblogrun.com/2024/08/august-12th-1975-the-49th-anniversary-of-john-walkers-349-4-world-record-mile-race.html
https://www.britannica.com/story/timeline-of-the-space-race
https://athletics.org.nz/legends/sir-john-walker/
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/john-walker
View all episodes
By Hillary BarrettToday is Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 and on this day in 1975, New Zealander John Walker became the first human in history to run a mile faster than 3:50.
In this episode, we'll hear about the stray animal that kickstarted Walker's running career as a child, how the fateful race played out on that summer evening in Sweden, and the embarrassingly American error I made during my research.
It is #Tattoosday which means that this episode of Today in Running History is sponsored by MyRaceTatts, the creators of the running mantra temporary tattoos that I absolutely LOVE.
Listeners of Today in Running History can save 20% off your order using my code "Hillary" at checkout. Here is the link to MyRaceTatts.
This episode was edited and produced by my good friend and confidant, Rob Garcia. Check out his podcast, Rob on the Run on Youtube, or on Instagram as @robontherunpod.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share, then connect with me on Instagram as well at @running_up_that_hillary, or check out my website at runningupthathillary.com.
Bibliography:
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/john-walker-breaks-world-mile-record
https://www.runblogrun.com/2020/08/august-12th-1975-the-40th-anniversary-of-john-walkers-3494-world-record-mile-race.html
https://www.runblogrun.com/2024/08/august-12th-1975-the-49th-anniversary-of-john-walkers-349-4-world-record-mile-race.html
https://www.britannica.com/story/timeline-of-the-space-race
https://athletics.org.nz/legends/sir-john-walker/
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/john-walker