Deepest High School Boys Mile Ever, Four Sub 4 at Festival of Miles

[@danalawrence4473]

As my son noted, the number of HS runners under 4 min from 1960-2010 was... 4; the number of HS runners under 4 min from 915-920pm last night was... 4.

[@TheyForcedMyHandLE]

Damn that's wild

[@vinanoir]

how many HS runners have done it from 2010-2020?

[@IdJones11]

@@vinanoir around 10 i believe

[@erikpeterson25]

That is nuts....I was a runner in HS, not even close to these guys and the young women also Let's just say I am humbled .....thuis is awesome to see 👍

[@micarta3156]

True! And three of those four were in the three years from '64-67. Then a thirty three year drought till Webb in 2001.

[@squalk8599]

Crazy to see how slow a 4:18 looks against elite competition

[@Hunkonly6678]

Fr

[@N0TxSURE]

Watching this makes you really appreciate what Alan Webb was capable of 22 years ago

[@JohnDoe-dn8yh]

Absolutely! Put these kids in a pro race with Inglebritsen and they may run a bit faster, but probably not 3:53.x

[@jim2376]

Indeed!

[@trancemaster5009]

@@JohnDoe-dn8yh Ingebrigtsen is way too fast for these guys. or did you mean his oldest brother?

[@meyiotn8575]

Imagine you’re out making history in the mile just for all the video recordings to be ruined with some God’s Plan techno remix 💀

[@Avdanru]

Very stupid of Sahlman to choose to toe the line with a torn IT band. He has already proven himself as an outstanding runner, there was no need to make his injury worse. No shame in ending his season to heal up and be ready to blow doors in college 🤷‍♂️

[@zk4761]

I can understand why he did it though. According to expectations his track season was not very good. He didn't compete in the state / classic meets. Didn't hit times he said he would. It felt like Tinoda Matsatsa took the season Sahlman was supposed to have. 800m - 1:48, mile - 3:58. Actually Aaron should be even faster than that. So it's easy to see disappointment clouding his judgment.

[@Albinodragon80]

You’d think parents or coach would dissuade him

[@dpw181]

As a former high school sprinter that fractured his foot in December of my senior year, two reasons an athlete would risk injury or compete injured is 1) they love competing that much and 2) they don't want to come across as ducking a big race and pointing to injury is the last thing any athlete wants to do. I lost a month of training, the foot never set correctly because I chose to not have a cast and my right foot hurt every time I pushed off it and starts were the worst. No athlete wants to compete at less than 100% and nothing humbles an athlete more than injury. You can be as positive as you want and try to ignore the pain and lack of conditioning but you feel them whether you want to or not. You feel the discomfort and your body does not respond the way you're used to it responding. Like kryptonite. I spent that entire season ready to quit but I was still faster than everyone but our two fastest guys so I felt obligated to trudge through the season as a sub-par version of myself and we got a CIF state meet plaque in the 440 relay. The bigger relief was that the season was over.

[@Avdanru]

@@dpw181 i have a similar story too where I fractured my foot during my senior cross season. I raced my sectional race injured and qualified for state but in doing so made my injury far worse. I completely agree with you on injuries being the greatest humbler, and wanting to race to not want to duck a race. I went into state with no training and ran the most shameful embarrassing 17:50, barely able to finish on my foot, when I could’ve been in 15:30s shape. To this day my foot still bothers me, and if I could go back I would’ve ended my season as much as it would’ve hurt, and chosen my health over my ego. So I speak from experience too, Sahlman in this case has a huge future, no point to jeopardize it over a race that can come along again in the future

[@tarabilla3683]

@@zk4761 so true

[@BenLinn]

that last guy finished in 4:18 must've felt horrible but HOLY CRAP THAT'S FAST

[@16nowhereman]

I was thinking the same thing. 4:18 and he finished last? Imagine the times for everyone else. It was a fast mile.

[@lapapar1174]

Wait isnt that Devan Kipyego??

[@fatbastard7346]

@@lapapar1174 yeah lmao

[@16nowhereman]

@@lapapar1174 Yep! Last ☹

[@jeremy0798]

@@lapapar1174 yeah i think he’s run 4 flat before too

[@CrossForum]

Race starts at 4:20 if you want to skip the theatrical intro.

[@dalegreer3095]

Seriously! Could have run a second race in that time.

[@Billybizisback]

Massive W for Birnbaum

[@Billybizisback]

W Birnbaum

[@jameshenry6655]

This literally won’t happen ever again… history in the making right here… only 20 u.s. high schoolers have EVER gone under 4 minutes for the mile, and 5 of them are from the same graduating class. That’s absolutely insane.

[@markvorster3921]

This probably will happen again

[@spaghettispaghetti69]

There were 5 that broke 4min last year too(2 were juniors). The 5th hs kid to sub 4 mile was in 2011. Kids are just getting stuuupidly fast

[@tomfitz3324]

They say the shoes help subtract a couple seconds, but that’s far from a sufficient explanation. These kids are fast!

[@ziskablyat8451]

This is an example that this will happen again

[@mikelane7193]

Newbury Park high School in southern CA, their 4th best miler was a 4:02.

[@davidzuk4894]

I haven't seen anyone outkick Birnbaum yet. He is the best of a very good class. I hope he gets an invite to Prefontaine.

[@Premium2-jh2xh]

Not in the 800m

[@kevinkasp]

I’ve been watching a boy from Kenya that’s the same age as these boys. Reynold Cheruiyot. He ran two 1500 races in the last three weeks, each at 3:32 (3:48 equivalent mile). We are in for a rich future in middle distance racing the next ten years.

[@davidzuk4894]

@@kevinkasp - That's a fabulous time. I think Birnbaum is capable of running much faster. He might be able to get Alan Webb's record if he gets an invite to The Prefontaine Classic. His kick is much better than his competition.

[@boink77]

@@anthonymonaco1797 this aged well

[@Hunkonly6678]

@@anthonymonaco1797Leo young got out kicked 😂

[@cadendevries6513]

Watching Birnbaum run at the state track meet this year in person was absolutely insane. The whole last 200 the guy dead sprinted with major head wind, running a 4:02. Everyone and their mother was standing and clapping their hearts out the last bit of the race. Insane sight to see the number 1 runner in the nation, and its not even close.

[@benhorner3707]

Same bro, I think he'll be the best athlete to ever come out of South Dakota

[@awlhunt]

For the whole field to have gone through in under 4:18 just shows the depth of talent coming through the high school ranks right now. Fantastic to see!

[@epsilonjay4123]

I want to see Connor Burns vs Lex and Leo Young at some point. Hopefully we will get that soon.

[@runnerspace]

Nike Outdoor Nationals has them plus Birnbaum.

[@No_One1_Special]

In a 1,500m, Leo probably wins, although Birnbaum was impressive. For a 5k it will be close. It may end up tactical, but if it’s fast, I think 2 or 3 guys, Lex being one of them, have a shot to go sub 13:30.

[@kevinkasp]

You will see that. Connor Burns and Simeon Birnbaum and Dan Watcke (who won the 800m in 1:48 at this same track meet) have all committed to the University of Oregon, so they will be fighting it out against Lex and Leo for the next four or five years in the PAC 12 in cross country, indoors, and outdoors. It is interesting that we have five sub-four minute high schoolers all at the same, none of the are Lex or Leo, but Lex and Leo are the famous ones.

[@clairebockholt9895]

@@runnerspace in what event?

[@brando3465]

@@kevinkasp But we all know that Leo could go under 4, he just hasn't raced any miles for some reason. He ran 3:39 in the 15 so he could def break 4. Lex probably not tho but it makes sense bc he's training for the 5k

[@hf2678]

Kudos to my cross city rivals (RCSHS) and Simeon on a great race. Love the gear change at 1200m, keeping his competition on his outside shoulder through the last turn, and a blazing finish. Can't wait to see him compete at the college level.

[@jondelano8769]

Simeon didn-r brag an StL favorite

[@Pingpongeditz1215]

My brother just graduated along with Rocky Hansen who ran the 3:58. He is both an amazing athlete and a great person.

[@Hunkonly6678]

Fr one of my favorite runners always giving it his all

[@peanutsnail5656]

Thats awesome

[@karlgant8953]

Amazing! Everyone in that race did a great race. Even the guy that came in last looked to have a 4:20 time. I was happy with my 4:48 personal best when I was in HS.

[@ryandetert450]

Great time! I still hope to run a sub 5 even though I'm old.

[@ArnoldLitke]

You and me got the exact same for the 1 mile, my best time was also 4:48 that was back in my high school in 1983.😲😌👍to see these athletes doing it in under 4 minutes is incredible!!!! 😲😁

[@somerandomguy4943]

Damn. Lowkey wasn’t expecting heidesch to get that far up.

[@johnnystl1288]

Sowinski makes a 1:58 800 look like he’s jogging! 😂 kudos to him for pacing these kids! I’m sure they were thrilled to have him there.

[@arogueburrito]

pros are thrilled to have him at that

[@dannylaw7367]

Just amazing that not long ago the 4 minute mile was thought to never happen and now high schoolers are breaking records. It's wonderful to watch these athletes do so well.

[@mikemyshka1472]

Well done to all the HS Runners! Doing your best and always working on improvement in you style and technique. Way to go Kansas! Proud you all.

[@carlagalloway9482]

Great running guys I’m so proud of you guys around 442 in high school, and I thought that was great Run!

[@ryhawks1496]

I'm suprised simeon actually wore the hoka spikes

[@brianjohnsadventure]

That was absolutely insane. Truly incredible athletes!

[@chief7573]

Was there right at the line last night, crazy race. Even the girls races were fast as hell. DJ was kind of annoying playing completely sped up and remixed songs.

[@joshuaedwards6075]

This is the greatest video I've ever seen.

[@giannygalindo6730]

Amazing race ❤ I really enjoyed the free live stream.

[@UlloMark]

1. This is great stuff...! 2. Jim Ryun is still the GOAT...!

[@StoryGordon]

WOW! I am not a fan of using a rabbit. Still, sub 4 is terrific. I ran a sub 5 more than 60 years ago. The winner ran 4:38.

[@Bradley-b1h]

We need more likes for runnerspace

[@mun1642]

대단합니다~ 항상응원 합니다~~^^

[@TrilogyNjStorm]

Got to watch alan webb run at penn relays in 2000 was crazy

[@Imfromtheyear3452]

This is so incredible.

[@djxcel23]

Race starts 4:21

[@jonahmays]

Ty

[@billybud9557]

Webb was running against pro's when he ran 3;53.....these guys ran 3:57 against other highschoolers.......even better. Great race for the pear tree.

[@quinnharris3283]

@@dpw181 chill out lol

[@N0TxSURE]

Webb had to run against pros he way outclassed anybody in HS back in his day.

[@Daniel-79]

Even last place is extremely fast! Running under four and a half minute mile is quite an accomplishment!

[@sidneygray51]

Totally dope, man.

[@robertbrown3471]

I remember my cousin running a 4:15 mile back in 1966 as a high school senior. That was almost 60 years ago and at the time, he was the best in the state. I'd have to believe that this kind of competition would have elevated his abilities to the point of easily breaking that elusive 4:00 time. If there's one thing I recall about him is that he hated, absolutely hated to lose - so he didn't.

[@bigminecraft4076]

Yeah ok buddy. 15 seconds faster? Hell nah. Definitely the old tracks and shoes were slower but I’d say 5 seconds tops even factoring in better competition. I don’t think you understand the difference between 4:00 and 4:15. You’re telling me every high schooler 4:15 and faster back then would be sub 4 now? So how come there have not been 1000+ sub 4 high school milers in the last couple decades?

[@robertbrown3471]

@@bigminecraft4076 I get what you're saying and you do have a compelling argument. However IMO, those old tracks, a combination of dirt, rock and crushed cinders, along with crappy running shoes (cleats were all they had), without a doubt made for much slower times. As a matter of fact, my cousin came from a very poor family and he didn't even have a decent pair of shoes to run in until my Father bought him a pair his senior season. I can only imagine what he would have accomplished if he had decent running gear and those amazing tracks that are in use today. So, if you look at several factors, better tracks, better shoes, coupled with an intense desire to win, or rather NEVER lose a race, then YES, I believe my cousin, if seriously challenged, would have easily broken 4 minutes. Have a great day........buddy. 😁

[@buckfiden2594]

​@@robertbrown3471Coaching has a lot to do with it too. Did he have a good coach? He you are 60 years later still watching high school milers. That leads me to believe that your cousin left a major impression on you. If he ran 4:15 without a decent coach (along with the crappy tracks and the crappy shoes) I would at least say it was possible.

[@rolandleslie2564]

Although the pacer could’ve been a little faster (was supposed to hit 58s.) All four were able to bring it home to smash 4!

[@ThingSomeRandom]

You saw how far ahead he was at 100 right? He had to slow it down because the kids couldn’t keep up with the prescribed pace. There are so many talented kids in this class, but none of them are at Webb’s level, at least not yet.

[@Leeoh949]

Can you explain to me the purpose and how a pacer works. This was on my recommended so I have no idea how these races work lol

[@ThingSomeRandom]

@@Leeoh949 basically makes it easier for the runners to maintain pace in a fast/record attempt, and keeps time trials like this from devolving into slow, tactical efforts. Not that there’s anything wrong with a tactical race, but in non-championship events it’s kind of pointless and boring. Hope that helped

[@Leeoh949]

@@ThingSomeRandom so there is no pacer in non championship events?

[@ThingSomeRandom]

@@Leeoh949 there’s almost never a pacer in championship events, because it’s against the rule set. The exception would be events like the Diamond League races, which aren’t really championship events anyway but hold a similar weight in terms of notoriety and prize money.

[@erikpeterson25]

AWESOME 👍👍👍👍

[@e.mcguire1538]

So much glamour and glory now. Plus very advanced training methods. Plus professional pacers and very fast track surfaces. Ryun and the others from my generation never had any of this.

[@halfairley6044]

He helped bring the attention and the improvements followed. Your generation isn't losing any credit. Just gaining respect like Jordan, Bird, and Magic.

[@steveallen1340]

My father remembers the first 4 minute mile, now I can tell him that a high school boy went under 4 minutes and didn’t get on the podium! What incredible progression has occurred during his lifetime.

[@remyxedfern5008]

If you wear speed goggles, you have to win the race.

[@ghionbezie]

Simeon Birnbaum is undoubtedly the goat

[@finniankephart8158]

Wtf is that music at the finish bro

[@jensmith3719]

Cameron Myers is a lot faster and younger, but enjoyed watching this, hope they continue their progression

[@evanmegoulas]

Wish i could get those top and bottoms. In the beginning

[@highimphilip]

His 800 meter time 159 beat my PR of 202 when I was young. They crazy fast.

[@Gremlin-tn7sf]

The fact that this is only HS is crazy to me. I have next to no doubt that these are all going to appear in the Olympics some day.

[@FinalWords01]

Almost would have ran at the same high school as burns if i lived a little closer. Crazy fun to fun against him the very little times i had a chance to

[@Shu-LessTheDJ]

As a 1:49 800m runner myself, I ran out of energy at lap 2.5-2.75 max. I hit 3 laps in about 3:30 ish and then I had to walk or I was gonna have a heart attack. Just because someone is god tier strong, doesn't mean their organs can take that kind of abuse, or for long. This coming, from someone that maxed out most of the weight room for sets

[@andrearatkovic4048]

Simeon w:that extra gear leading from a lap to go all the way to the finish!

[@roro6064]

L commentators. Not hype at all like if they didn’t just witness history

[@lankthompson7167]

My video and audio is mis-matched

[@konrdchristensen2111]

this was a great race. While this was the deepest you have to understand the reasons why. New tracks, new shoe technology but new training aids too. In Jim Ryun's day you trained hard with no aids except perceived exertion. I raced a decade later still no technology. So what happened you either overtrained or undertrained. Sometimes you hit a sweet spot and had a window for some good times. But compared to now it was all guesswork. Now you can use a heart rate monitor and take your resting pulse each morning. Too high? Back off training. You can also use sleep technology to find out how much actual recovery you are getting. Remember training is all about adaptation. You workout hard yes, but it is during rest when your body adapts and either benefits from the training or starts to breakdown. Now that can be quantified, in the old days it was just guessing.

[@yeimbad]

i know this is late but that sowinski guy was fast asl, why did he stop suddenly?

[@vonzhimself]

hes the pace setter

[@strongdelusion9442]

Boy has a bright future, great kick!

[@darrelllewis3041]

I RAN IN THIS I SWEAR ITS IN MISSOURI

[@aashishr9918]

Ggs birnbaum

[@LeapingRat]

when i used to run in 2007 i think there was only one sub 4 time that was run all year. i think by german fernandez this is crazy stuff lol

[@Eric-lx8hp]

I guess the next mile stone will be first middle school boys under four minute

[@hectortrinidad3168]

At 4:09 what glasses in #2 wearing

[@Hunkonly6678]

Connor burns was so dead at the end it’s funny seeing him look to his sides knowing they were gonna pass him

[@Noah-sm1ze]

Last place nearly would have won my state meet

[@ebonyh9566]

Was rooting for Matsatsa the whole time

[@12eid_25]

Represent South Dakota 💪💪

[@LoveBoysEverywhereTruegi-tc9el]

I wish i were at this high school

[@PresleyGutbrod]

Connor burns talked crap to burnbaum in the interview then got smoked💀💀💀

[@TripleABattery29]

What video/interview is that on?

[@Johnrap]

Why are they all wearing the same shirt?

[@johnsrous1616]

When I ran track in the 1980's(sounds like I was running before B.C.,huh) it was Jim Ryun and...uh..no one.

[@rentslave]

Jim Ryun was running these times 60 years ago.

[@user-hp6cr3ft8k]

How come the guy who took 3rd isn’t mentioned in the description?

[@kryptic_8088]

Tinoda is mentioned in the description wym?? 😭😭

[@kevinkasp]

He’s a 800 meter runner. Going to Georgetown next year. I saw his interview after the race. He was bubbly, he was so happy. He only thinks of himself as an 800 runner. His raw speed is better than milers. This race messed with his mind (in a good way) because, he said, he never gave running the mile much of a thought. But now, after doing this, he wondered, what if he actually trained for the mile?

[@ttank7241]

why do they all have the same shirts?

[@jondelano8769]

Will never see that deep of HS field ever top 2 runsrs in field Ha Off days

[@ThebigIndian]

Fire the pacer and the DJ!

[@deeperanddeeper]

Just the DJ, the pacer put a lot of effort in to help the lads along.

[@JohnDoe-dn8yh]

Sowinksi is the best pacer of all time... The kids couldn't keep up with 58/quarter so he slowed down

[@mehaslimediseasebs2421]

@@JohnDoe-dn8yh he didnt even try for a lap tho

[@somerandomguy4943]

How long ago was this?

[@XavierPecastaing1]

It was today

[@pedalingparson]

While I certainly applaud what these kids did I still think about what Jim Ryun did as a 16 year old. And what Ryun did he did in spikes that were planks and he did it on cinder track. Let these kids wear the spikes Ryun wore and run on the tracks Ryun ran on then I'll be really impressed.

[@matthewbourgeois9839]

Cry harder

[@pedalingparson]

@matthewbourgeois9839 Who is crying??? How on earth did you eisigete that out of my comment? I applaud these kids. I just think Ryun was better.

[@buckfiden2594]

​@@pedalingparsonRyan was better. He would break the World Record 2 years after high school, will any of these kids do that..... NOOOO! You know what's up.

[@delwoodkelp8590]

Certainly modern day training is superior. But I also wonder how much modern track surfaces and new spikes help today's runners. Back in the 60's, 70's, and early 80's, most high school races were run on cinder, dirt, or clay surfaces. No way, a old cinder track was as fast as the current top tracks. Also spikes are vastly improved. Over 4 laps, what is the difference in seconds. Cumulative 1, 2, 3, or 4 seconds total?

[@lovetoastt]

why did sahlman drop out?

[@eter8212]

They mentioned it at the beginning, but he has a torn IT band and I'd imagine that's why he dropped out

[@ed_gaa6289]

@@eter8212 yea I don’t even know why he showed up? That first 600 or so must have hurt a LOT

[@naomigrace7538]

So stupid

[@ArnoldLitke]

His right hamstring muscle locked up! But he'll be back and run faster than before this.😌😁👍

[@nigelrg1]

The announcer finished in 5:30.

[@jim242]

Jim Ryun did that in 1964

[@billyflynn0]

deep

[@royalordinance]

Here in Britain we're proud of Roger Bannister, but you Yanks have really dialled in the dedication. I wonder what their standing heart rate is?

[@jazandriz]

Epilepsy warning on the introductions geez

[@Joeg174]

Why did Aaron drop out?

[@gena_duck852]

hes the pacer

[@rulerofcrazy9989]

messed up knee

[@GeoAce777]

$owin$ki should have ran 1200/1300m there 😏

[@Cmass9]

Cocky Connor Burns got got

[@dangriffin5532]

He went out too fast in the first two laps. Your not supposed to challenge the pacer. Regardless that kid is a stud. Sure he will contine to get better.

[@gagegrohs]

connor what happenedddddd

[@jxrdanemrey]

can you run a 4:03 mile on a bad day?

[@kp2094]

i apologize on behalf of connor

[@Premium2-jh2xh]

​@@jxrdanemreyid roll him in the 400m😂

[@jxrdanemrey]

@@Premium2-jh2xh what's your 400 time then?

[@chief7573]

@@Premium2-jh2xh what about 800 1600 3200 5k 8k or 10k?

[@booklover3959]

What these runners did here is an amazing performance. However, why do they bother building these things up like "They are going to try and break 3:53" ? It is silly, unrealistic, and actually detracts from the event. Do they even bother looking at the runners personal bests? That being said these runners are amazing athletes and it will be exciting to see what they do in the future.

[@zapper354]

Imagine getting last place with a time of 4:17 💀

[@andrewclifton9772]

Why put them all in the same shirt so it was almost impossible to follow an individual runner? Especially as half the course was dark. These guys are insanely fast for HS runners and deserved much, much better from the organizers.

[@carlholland3819]

somebody get these kids some food

[@wringly]

ford washburn!!

[@rxonmymind8362]

HA! Eat THAT for your breakfast Kipchoge! 😂 Nanner, nannner ,nanner. Pthhhh...😆

[@Hobo_Mojo]

Why does every single boy have the exact same haircut?

[@meherbabaisgod9967]

😍😍💗💗🥰🥰

[@teacherhomieg]

What happened to Sahlman? Looked like a hammy.

[@shire4897]

He ran with a torn IT band

[@teacherhomieg]

@@shire4897 crap, he probably should’ve not run at all. Further injury risk.

[@shire4897]

@@teacherhomieg true

[@beachplumb]

Obviously all great athletes, but records are falling left and right. Advances in shoe and track technology HAS to be at least part of it. It’d be like if MLB decided to allow corked bats; there’d be A LOT more home runs.

[@ryandetert450]

MIght be part of it. Some shoes have actually been banned from track. There is a phenomenon where once someone breaks a ceiling, everyone else sees it's possible and breaks through it as well. We've seen it with sub 4 minute miles and sub 10 second 100m. Both were once thought to be impossible.

[@jimmyjohnson7041]

Why is these guys need a pacer to run a mile ????

[@SlowerOne]

Spoil Shield

[@lpg1331]

I can do a sub 4-minute lap. Put me in coach. 🙃