How I Ran the Fastest Mile In The World

Have you ever wondered what an elite runner thinks about during a race? Join Olympian Andy Baddeley and his coach, Andy Hobdell discuss one of Andy’s most iconic moments in his career, the dream mile in Oslo 2008, placing him as number one in the world. In this iconic race Cram, Coe and Ovett also broke world records! Join the two Andy’s as they break down the race step by step to give you a sneak peek into what was going on behind the scenes and the training that lead up to this moment.
↓↓ Do you have any questions for Andy? What has been your proudest moment in a race? What do you think about when you are racing? Let us know in the comments below! ↓↓
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Dream Mile footage credit: Eurosport
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[@runningchannel]

Do you have any questions for Andy? What has been your proudest moment in a race? What do you think about when you are racing? Let us know in the comments below 👇

[@hairyairey]

I like how the commentator says "Baddeley's coming through for second place". Still wasn't expecting him to win even at the end. I think that was Paul Dickenson whom I had the pleasure of working with in the commentary box for London 2012 Paralympics. (I was one of the scoreboard volunteers - when I signed up for the technical team I expected I'd be working in an office somewhere. Imagine my shock when I realised 80,000 would be watching my mistakes? If you saw a mistake at the 2012 Paralympics that was probably me. Like putting up the 100m start list when it was the 1500m. In my defence it was next on the official list and I couldn't see the athletes lining up due to a pillar...) We had the best view in the stadium. I remember Richard Whitehead in the T42 200m looking at 100m to go like he was out of the medals. Then there was that finish. One of the most incredible parts was the silence for the blind long jump. You could hear the coaches shouting instructions from the other side of the stadium through the closed window! One of them got the crowd clapping then hushed the audience. I was so pleased to click the "silence please for the athlete" at exactly the right time. The speed of work was utterly manic, without those minis bringing back the hammer, discus and javelin we'd never have kept to the timetable. I think I'll wear my Gamesmaker kit to the next running show, with my old accreditation too (some parts of it were a mess - I wasn't allowed through the media section to get into the commentary box even though that was the only practical door. I complained and received full media accreditation)

[@GrooveyBobby]

My best race , finishing the Dogs run marathon with Bobby (my favourite 4 legged running pal) and I still think he got as much joy over the finish line as I did, plus we have matching medals 🐕💚💜💙

[@multechpro7151]

my most memorable race is when i broke my own PR which was actually too slow anyways, im a middle distance fan , that was an inspirational race

[@finberaviation]

Did you have to sprint the whole way round when you broke the parkrun world record?

[@ye5331]

The World's Fastest Mile Time Male world record: 3:43.13 (Hichem El Guerrouj, 1999) Female world record: 4:12.33 (Sifan Hassan, 2019)

[@amymackay5828]

I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis) over 3 years ago and thought my running days were behind me. Last weekend I completed a half marathon and even though it's my slowest time, I'm the most proud of it.

[@almorrison2040]

Amy, i was diagnosed the same about 28 yrs ago. Caused me some issues, but i have been back running now for quite a few years, marathon training etc. If i can offer you one piece of advice, which i didnt do, is really focus on mobility and spinal flexibility as best you can. I regret not taking it seriously. It also appears to "die off" after some time. Great result with your half.

[@runningchannel]

That is fantastic Amy! You should be so proud!

[@Kelly_Ben]

Congrats on your race!! Running through the mental and physical pain you must have dealt with makes your finish even more awesome.

[@Trivico]

Congratulations Amy👏👏 well done 😃🥳🥳

[@carolinecrollick6305]

Congratulations I am training for my first half in October

[@jamesgoodwin7742]

The mile seems so short when you’re watching, but when you’re running it seems like an eternity.

[@jackspoor6839]

The first two laps are a breeze, but the third one is the long and painful lap.

[@armchaircoach]

Tip: if you run faster it'll end quicker 😃

[@omgurheadsgone]

@@armchaircoach running too fast and not pacing yourself will make it feel even longer though because when you hit the wall and still have a lap to go and every second feels like an eternity of sheer pain, you’ll have wish you paced better haha.

[@SubparLoki]

I know 😫 and I run 5ks

[@gm2407]

A mile always seemed a long way. Then when you run it consistently the mile feels short. But I bet when competing you always feel on the edge of not having enough time left to get the position you want. Never done competative running. Just impressed how much distance Andy pulled back so late in the run.

[@Mookiethedog]

This is great! I had no idea Andy was this much of a beast. He strikes me as a humble nice English dude and now knowing this makes him even more special. Thanks for this video

[@runningchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fidget918]

My proudest running moment was after I crossed the finish line of my first 5k. I was overweight and had family and friends telling me I couldn't do it-- that it would be too taxing on my body-- that I could really hurt myself. But I did it! Here i am 5 years later, only slightly overweight, training for my second half. Never stop! You CAN do it!

[@Stevenc1984]

The people who say you can't do it are always the ones who've never done it 🤔 Well done for believing in yourself, enjoy your 2nd half!

[@runningchannel]

That's brilliant! I had a very similar start and will never forget that first finish line 😊 - Mary

[@chad9431]

Fuck everyone do your thing!!! Keep hammering away!

[@gyozakeynsianism]

I'm glad you ignored the doubters. While preventing injury is important, you can't run without running. Never stop indeed!

[@Laocoon283]

You can't run a half. You will really hurt yourself.

[@Giovanni-eu1jx]

The most special moment of the video is the acknowledgement of a profound relationship between athlete and coach. You run, but having somebody next to you gives the journey and the end result a different flavour. It does not matter if it is world record as an Olympian or your PB.

[@jenniea2157]

I was a big Andy fan before but now I think you are just brilliant! I love the fact that you are so grounded & normal despite having had such an amazing running career. More stories like this please👏👏👏

[@runningchannel]

Thank you Jennie! If you have any suggestions for new videos, do share them please! We always love to hear new ideas 😊

[@scottbedding6643]

My most memorable race, was taking my 23 year old son through his first half marathon (his 1st ever race) on South Downs this year. He started running after he came and watched me run the same race in 2019. So that was special, next year I will run with him on his first marathon. The Brighton Trail marathon.

[@irisr4536]

Really enjoyed this peek into Andy’s past as an elite world class runner. Beautiful to see the bond between coach and athlete. Would love to see more like this! Andy, you’re amazing!

[@ChrLienert]

Hi Andy, this was awesome to see. How you overtook the whole field and won on the last meters give some goosebumps. A week ago I did run my first half marathon (61 years old, 2:23:48). This was the highlight of my running year so far.

[@martincornwellmckeown6019]

Love this ‘story behind the race’ format. I would love to hear this for more athletes/races. Great stuff

[@runningchannel]

Glad you liked it Martin! 😊

[@wfl_99]

This gives me goosebumps to watch too. Absolutely incredible athleticism! Currently working towards a 5 minute mile, and I was gonna take the day off but now, after seeing this and the way you both talk about your training, I feel compelled to go out there and put a shift in. Thank you both! ✨

[@runningchannel]

Aww thank you so much! Glad you've found this inspirational! All the best for your training 💪

[@wfl_99]

@@runningchannel I found it very inspirational so thank you to you too!! Same goes for your training and goals as well. Best wishes! 😁

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Me too! Good luck.

[@anandg4809]

It's not Andy Baddeley, it's Andy Badass 😉 Truly inspiring and thank you for sharing, good luck for future endeavours.

[@denbriggs82]

Absolutely brilliant stuff Andy you must have more stories to share. I pretty sure we would love to hear them.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching! Yep, we're sure there are a few more stories! Stay tuned 😊

[@shirleylowe8045]

Andy you are awesome and so humble. What an achievement! You and your coach chatting and the mutual respect you guys have. Made me tear up!

[@robbylester4993]

Ran my first half marathon Saturday. I’m so proud of myself

[@benjamintrnt7329]

Huge achievement! massive congrats! now push on to get that full marathon in the bag, you've got this!

[@runningchannel]

That's amazing Robby! You should be incredibly proud! Well done 😊

[@jamesw359]

Well done mate

[@Shevock]

👏 👏

[@Mookiethedog]

Yo Robby congrats!!

[@mirser4912]

I can watch this 1000s of times and enjoy and appreciate the fact that you achieved something so spectacular and yet you seem so genuine and humble! Also, your relationship with your coach is amazing! Thanks for sharing this great moment from your life and athletic career!

[@carlhumanbcrab]

im still trying to break a 12 minute mile :') cant image how fast that must have been

[@runningchannel]

You're doing brilliantly! Thanks for watching 😊

[@wayneninnemann4490]

i believe you can do it! Please find someone kind and wise that has been in your shoes to guide you. You will be able to do the rest! :)

[@feeshac1974]

Same 😅

[@paulallen1370]

💀

[@Blobbyo25]

How's it going?

[@mknh2466]

Going sub40 on the 10K for the first time during a road race 2 years ago. Something I thought would never be possible for an average runner when I first took up running (again) almost 4 years ago. I can recall the race just as accurately as it just felt like everything fell right into place on the day. That's what I really love about running. You can always challenge yourself no matter how old you are or how fit you may be.

[@DrProfX]

This is so inspiring! Also, what I love about this is that it feels like we’re there watching it with you and your coach… a great sense of friendship between the two of you! Great stuff!

[@BungaBunga202]

So good to see this insight and what it means to Andy and particularly the coach. Brilliant vid and something Andy and team around can be immensely proud of!

[@donaldcameron-mackintosh5597]

Great video. Really interesting to hear Andy talk through the race. Nice to see a great relationship with his coach also.

[@pepperminttea2460]

This is so beautifully inspiring - thank you to both Andy’s for taking the time to sit, reminisce and share your thoughts and feelings behind such an amazing achievement. I’m a 5ft 1inch woman and will never reach the likes of Andy Baddley, but I still find you an inspiration each time I see you on TRC. Amazing video once again ❤️

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching! It's wonderful to hear you get inspiration from our videos! Remember, it's not all about pace - it's just about getting out there, doing what you love and enjoying it 😊

[@kevinlance1813]

I have been trying to get time to watch this one forever. Thanks for sharing this inspiring story and great race with us. Most importantly it's great to know that sometimes the really nice guys actually do finish first.

[@almasisk1047]

Absolutely incredible! I am in complete awe and even more inspired to become a better runner! My proudest moment was running my first half marathon this year in June and essentially told I probably wouldn’t be able to do it in 2.5 hours or less. I did it in 2:27 and the first 3 miles was some serious elevation gain! Thank you for the motivation and inspiration you continue to give me !

[@johncoldham3625]

Hi Andy, only just seen this, what a fantastic race with your pacing and saving what you had until you needed it, brilliant mate!!

[@pballfin]

Thank you for this. I love hearing accounts from professional runners! It is really fun to hear how other people view different runs and how it affected them.

[@runningchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mirser4912]

What a great story, Andy!! Ever considered expanding this into a longer documentary on your career?! I just love how your coach and you are so comradely! So awesome and 100% captures the spirit of athletics!!👍👍

[@wwhhiittnneeyy]

I loved this so much, I've been hoping you'd do a video like this, Andy!

[@runningchannel]

Glad you liked it Whitney!

[@yogeshpant8075]

Awesome lucky to keep watching you on this channel every now and then. Thanks for sharing. Priceless. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@neilworgan]

Really interesting to hear Andys thoughts about the race. Another brilliant video. Thanks The Running Channel

[@robgrimmer7894]

Sooo good! Thanks for sharing this with us gents!!

[@paulmarshall4468]

What a great relationship with your coach. You guys really have something good there. If I had to pick a favourite race, it would probably be my daughter winning her first junior county title. It was her first season running. The time I had put into taking her training had caused me to be criticised at home but I believed in her hunger and in her ability and I felt she deserved my backing. I had told her that I could prepare her to win this race. She had believed me but I still didn't actually know if it would work till she stormed home by a clear 30 yards in that 800 metre race, vindicating our belief in each other. For a time, I couldn't turn away from the track rail to thank people for their congratulations because I didn't want them to see how much I was crying. I still sometimes have a tear in my eye when she wins but not like that again.

[@jasonaltham7013]

From the age of 13 to 15 i was stuck at 41:00 and change for a 10k. Then after 6 weeks off to recover from a hip injury, i ran 30:00 for 8k and then a few weeks later I finally did it, running 38:38 for 10k, breaking 40:00 for the first time. I ran faster in the months to come, but I will never forget my first sub 40 run. Unfortunately, I quit running after high school, and gained alot of weight. I walk 5k almost every day, and am getting close to running again. I wish I had never stopped, as I feel I could have gotten into the 34`s or 33`s if I had continued into my twenties.

[@runningchannel]

Well done Jason! That's fantastic! Keep going 💪💪

[@marcosmith722]

Although I don't know you personally, only from the channel it felt pretty special. Specially when you see the spectators on their feet clapping to salute you achievement. 👏

[@dan3885]

A wonderful journey and incredibly inspiring to me, thanks for all your hard work and outstanding presentations and productions 🤜

[@xpoministry8315]

This is a first! A step by step recap of a great achievement. Thanks Andy.

[@faithkibiku2017]

As a Kenyan not sure I can genuinely support you Andy 😁 but I do well done!!!

[@runningchannel]

Ha! Thank you Faith! I appreciate it 😊

[@anwarrahim7009]

Excellent video. Really insightful getting both you and your coach to discuss the race.

[@runningchannel]

Glad you found it helpful 😊

[@t.c.9838]

This is cool! Wow. Thanks for walking us through this. Friggin awesome!

[@natesilvers2166]

What a great video never seen an insight like this from an elite runner and coach such a superhuman performance. I'll be thinking of this for my next mile race

[@OZSA87]

Heart melting video, love it! I just got into running this year and this channel is pretty awesome. Keep it up guys!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you so much 😊

[@mikew6840]

Only watching this now - goosebump stuff indeed! Wow!

[@johnmiller5630]

This is so good Andy. Thanks for sharing 👏🏻👏🏻

[@misterb1915]

What a special moment, thanks for sharing!

[@runningchannel]

Yes it was! Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@unknownartist12]

Loved this! Great work Andy and was great to see the bond between athlete and coach.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much!

[@janicegagnon2294]

Great insight! My best race was a marathon, my second one where I surprised myself with how fast I could really be, improved by over 40 min and ran a BQ by 40 seconds. Was an unforgettable moment.

[@stormbroke]

I did not know Andy was this fast since I only really got into running in 2018 (in my 50’s) and so 2008 seems like a life’s time ago but this was amazing to watch. Thank you both!

[@duncantaylor70]

What an inspirational piece. Thanks for sharing Andy. You're amazing

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Duncan 😊

[@derekmerchant1282]

So freaking awesome!!! And unassuming. You were the world’s best!!! Good on ya for that!!!!

[@runningchannel]

Wow, thank you!

[@Marktburgess]

Thanks Andy, really cool to hear what goes on in a elite race, Really interesting.

[@jonb1107]

What an achievement by Andy and something to be very proud of. People like Andy are the ones we should be watching and listening to

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much Jonathan! Do you have any ideas of other videos you'd like to see with Andy?

[@paulvinten7672]

bit of a legend Badders!!!! Completing my first Great South Run in 2018 was amazing. What started of as a dare in the pub in January 2018 turned into an obsession.

[@runningchannel]

That's awesome Paul! Some of the best ideas come from the pub! 😊

[@eppmike]

That was cool, Andy! Thanks tor sharing that moment in your life.

[@runningchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KOTW.Adventures]

I was a sprinter as a teen so finishing my first ever half marathon at age 40 was my proudest moment as a long distance runner.

[@GrooveyBobby]

That’s so cool, what an awesome memory to treasure forever. Thanks for sharing 💛💙

[@jenniferbraun2654]

Amazing!!!! Brought tears to my eyes!

[@davidarana3232]

Andy that video was so insightful. It certainly was a pleasure to watch, with relief knowing the outcome beforehand, and to soak up the information given as it came out in light of that outcome. It may feel like so long ago and at the same time like barely a day has gone by. And since you asked, one of my most memorable races was Los Angeles Marathon 1996 but not because it was fast. In fact, it was my slowest marathon due to a recent struggle with bronchitis, but my parents had come out to the finish line area in downtown L.A. on Flower Street. I was broken inside because I thought I had done porely but seeing them and hearing their voices with less than a quarter mile to go was more emotionally impactful than I could have realized. I had tears of joy and relief and simultaneously, sadness knowing that this was a moment in time never to be repeated. They rarely watched me race all through high school but they knew this event was important to me. I miss them both and I thank you for helping me relive that moment, as you relived yours.

[@runningchannel]

David, thank you so much for sharing that moment with us. I think every marathon runner can relate to this experience. We're so pleased you enjoyed this video - it was a special race for Andy for sure! It's really wonderful to see the response to the video has been so positive 😊

[@dorlynnstarn]

A really great video! Thanks for sharing your special moments with us. 😃❤🥇

[@runningchannel]

Thank you Dorlynn for watching!

[@wood7315]

Great Andy ! The perfect race 👍 Thanks for that superb video.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@markg99]

All the goosebumps 😁💪🏃‍♂️ I've never seen this race before. Great memories and wonderful achievement for Andy.

[@DrProfX]

Love it when he says “at least twice a day…” So awesome! Such great coach-athlete friendship … just love it!!!

[@javierarturonavarretecardenas]

You always have to train to go for it. And be confident you eventually will get it. I ran six marathons and suddenly in my fourth attempt I broke my PB and got my goal. I was pretty happy and proud

[@unclebadger]

I got goosebumps watching that. The perfect race.

[@Ali94749]

This is an amazing achievement 👏 😀 Such a pleasure being able to watch this video.

[@runningchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Ali!

[@jasonwaters382]

That's great to watch. I have one regret in my life. It's that I never made a run for the Olympics and the 1500m in particular. I feel wounderful living it through this view with Andy and his coach.

[@chrismcgurk2971]

Incredible. A few years later Andy came to a BMC mile race I'd set up in Oxford. Although he was not in his best shape he still ran a sub 4 minute mile. What an athlete. I hope you can still enjoy running nowadays Andy. Now tell us about defeating Lagat and winning the Fifth Avenue mile a year later!

[@harmonyway09]

Beyond awesome Andy !!!

[@eddiehughes8077]

In a word, inspirational! Well done!

[@reaganmaggs6426]

Brilliant achievement Andy and it can never be taken away from you awe inspiring 👍🏻

[@allanburias3031]

You’re amazing Andy!

[@alnomesamy]

More stories like this would be awesome. Well done :)

[@zacheverson1009]

Awesome, Andy! Thanks for sharing! My proudest race was Chicago Marathon 2017. I had my best training cycle ever, and got a 30 minute PR, breaking 4 hrs.

[@alisonbinns7158]

I'm hoping to do Chicago marathon next year, have a qualifying time. How did you find it?

[@marksmyth5505]

Brilliant race by Andy

[@crunchyhobgoblin258]

Your channel is the reason I have set the aim to run my 5k 🙌

[@runningchannel]

You can do it!

[@tonys6237]

Great video. I'd like to know more about the training, particularly the volume.

[@ubermensch1979]

This has got all the emotions of a Billy Yang film compressed into twelve & a half minutes!

[@1980alsful]

That was awesome. Been watching this channel for a while now, but had no idea of Andy's background!

[@runningchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it John 😊.

[@francismckenna7338]

Great video Andy and an incredible achievement. Well done

[@runningchannel]

Thanks 👍

[@MrAndemob]

Extraordinary achievement - very well done indeed, being the fastest one mile runner in the world that year (only 6.25 seconds behind the world's fastest mile ever, by Hicham El-Gerrouj in 1999) - so interesting to hear what he thought during the run!

[@emmapercy3660]

Really informative. I didn’t realise there were so many products!

[@wilsonruns3381]

Andy racing against Eliud Kipchoge 😍👊

[@runningchannel]

Oh Alex - we'd love to make that video!! ❤️

[@emilymontague8550]

Great video, amazing race!

[@stephenwoods1701]

That was amazing. thank you

[@nrjonesy]

Superb.. really enjoyed that. Very proud of running my faster ever Parkrun on its return a few weeks ago, knocking a minute and a half off my previous best.. which makes all the lockdown runs trying to improve worthwhile... but prouder still of helping improve my youngest daughter's running for her to go on to come home with a first female place at 13.

[@runningchannel]

Nice work Neil! And agree - whatever achievements we may have personally, seeing our kids try their best is the most awesome feeling in the world 😊

[@torgeirleirbakken896]

What an amazing video of your run in Oslo Bislett Andy, which my home city. Obviously I'm Norwegian, just taken up running for the last 2 months. I'm actually enjoying it. Running is such a big thing here, especially because of the Ingebrigtsen brothers. Love the content on the running channel. Keep up the good work 😊👍😊

[@Rubix78]

Love this memory, amazing

[@memorywarrior8752]

An amazing achievement Andy, well done.

[@anthny6]

Really fantastic video, love this format. I'd also love to hear Andy describe how his body was feeling through the third and fourth laps. Specifically, what level of suffering are you enduring in a race at this unthinkable pace, and when does it really start to set in?

[@pierrefitter]

This should become a series..! David Rudisha's 800 at London 2012, MO Farah's hr record, Cheptegei's 5k/10k, Kandei's HM, and Kiphoge's marathon records...

[@runningchannel]

Fab idea, Pierre!

[@TommyPOfficialTmp]

Congratulations Brother!! 🔥🔥 I'm a Trail-Runner, and My Favourite Racing moment was Definitely My Second Half Marathon midway through last year, raced through an island I grew up on, where both My Grandfather and Dad were raised, and also where My own Dad raced the same Race 20 Years Ago, attained a new PB by 22 minutes, and am now 3 Half Marathons, 1 15K Road Race, and 1 Duathlon Deep, currently 4 weeks through a 13 Week Training plan preparing for My First Full Marathon, Absolutely dying to get it done, Training is killing Me, but every second is absolutely worth it, I can't wait 😃🔥

[@frolswe]

Now both you and Anna have made me tear up a little watching a running KZbin channel.. Amazing race and great work ❤️💚

[@emmarocheteau5788]

Which video was Anna?

[@frolswe]

@@emmarocheteau5788 her New York marathon video. Her comments after finishing was amazing.

[@runningchannel]

Awww thank you so much! Really pleased you liked this 😊

[@mjovanovic72]

Thank you for sharing your special moment with us.. 🎯

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrAlmeide]

Thanks for sharing. Bislet is the perfect place for that run. Lets see if J Ingebrigsten will set some new records there next year 🤞

[@TinyWorlds]

The end made my eyes a little wet 😭 So sweet to see your bond and how you both appreciate each other

[@lilkasparov]

WOW 👏, I didn't know that you're the fastest miler in the world. I liked the tactic you used to win this race. Outstanding. For me, the best moment was when I set a new PR for the marathon at the age of 61 a few months ago. hope to do better. Best regards.

[@runningchannel]

Thanks so much for watching! And well done on your PR!

[@monachorum]

Amazing Andy! I’ve watched so many Running Channel videos now that I feel I actually know the guy who won that gold medal! Even better, although I only started running at the age of 60, 5 years agp (and ran the virtual VLM last year), I can tell folk that you were named after me!

[@ianmcilwraith4479]

Brilliant Andy really enjoyed that. The only thing I regret about running is taking it up late when I was about 30. 48 now and still chasing the odd pb inc Manchester marathon this Sunday 😆

[@johannesberger9432]

Just wonderful this video. Just wonderful.

[@andys121.]

Absolutely Brilliant

[@runningchannel]

Thanks Andrew 😊