1954 Commonwealth Games: Bannister and Landy Achieve Sub-Four-Minute Mile — image accompanying The Guardian Athletics's report. Photograph: Popperfoto/Getty Images; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
In 1954, the Commonwealth Games witnessed a historic moment in athletics when two runners achieved sub-four-minute miles. England’s Roger Bannister and Australia’s John Landy both broke the four-minute barrier in the mile race.
The race, held in Vancouver, was later dubbed the Miracle Mile. Landy set a fast pace, leading at the halfway mark, but Bannister made a strong finish, winning by three yards. Both athletes ran under four minutes, marking the first time in history. Read more racing coverage.
Though Bannister’s time was slightly behind Landy’s record, it was his personal best. Bannister later reflected that winning races was more important than breaking records. Related: Josh Kerr wins Commonwealth Games Mile in Glasgow.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from The Guardian Athletics. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about 1954 Commonwealth Games: Bannister and Landy Achieve Sub-Four-Minute Mile?
In 1954, Bannister and Landy made history by running sub-four-minute miles in the Commonwealth Games. In 1954, the Commonwealth Games witnessed a historic moment in athletics when two runners achieved sub-four-minute miles. England’s Roger Bannister and Australia’s John Landy both broke the four-minute barrier in the mile race.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 1, 2026. The underlying The Guardian Athletics report was dated August 1, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from The Guardian Athletics. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
THE WEEKLY BRIEFING
Start the week a step ahead.
A concise edit of the running stories worth knowing, sent every Monday.
