Running News Daily

The BMC Westminster Mile, a one-of-a-kind road mile race through the heart of London, returns on Sunday, September 22, 2024, giving elite athletes another rare opportunity to chase history on the streets leading to Buckingham Palace.

Staged on the iconic Vitality Westminster Mile course, the race begins on The Mall and finishes in front of Buckingham Palace — offering both a stunning backdrop and a lightning-fast layout. Organized in partnership with the British Milers Club, the event caters specifically to those targeting milestone times: sub-four for men and sub-4:20 for women.

In last year’s inaugural edition, Joe Wigfield made headlines by becoming the first athlete ever to run a sub-four-minute mile on the road in London, stopping the clock at 3:59. His performance etched him into the record books as only the 21st British man in history to break the four-minute barrier on the road, a feat achieved over a 70-year period.

On the women’s side, Great Britain international Katie Snowden set the course alight with a 4:23 finish — making her the eighth-fastest Brit in history over the road mile and the fastest woman ever on this course.

“Our first edition last year was an incredible success,” said Elaine Rayner, Event Lead for the Vitality Westminster Mile. “Joe Wigfield became the first person in the history of the event to run sub-four and Katie Snowden ran an incredible 4:23 to set a course record. That shows that, as well as the course being like no other in the world for landmarks, it is also very fast.”

Last year’s race also saw national records fall across multiple age categories:

• Kirstie Booth clocked 4:57 to set a new UK over-45 Masters record, breaking a 14-year-old mark.

• Mark Symes ran 4:45 to set a new over-55s road best.

• Doug Milsom, at age 85+, ran 9:18 — rewriting the national record books for his age group.

With £1,000 for first place, £500 for second, and £250 for third in both the men’s and women’s elite races, the event offers not only prestige and fast times but also meaningful rewards.

The 2024 edition is open to BMC members targeting sub-4:40 (men) or sub-5:24 (women)and is expected to attract some of the fastest middle-distance talent in the UK and beyond.

If you’re looking to end your racing season with a statement, there’s no mile more iconic or competitive than this one — set in the shadows of royal history.

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