Why the Mile?

No running distance, or field event for that matter, has the history, the appeal, the “magic” of the Mile. The Mile, like the 100 meters and the marathon, is a running event that most Americans know something about or have a general feeling for, and thus, there is a built-in awareness of and audience for the Mile.

In America, the Mile – lower and upper case – is deeply embedded in our culture and history. We are one of the few countries in the world that still uses the mile as a distance measurement, and thus, as a centuries old result, Americans think, speak and relate in miles not kilometers (“How many miles did you run today?”, “I averaged five-minute miles in my race”, etc.). In short, Americans "get" the Mile not the 1500 meters.

Because the 1500 meters, or worse, the misfit 1600 meters at the high school level, do not have the same historical significance and cultural, media and promotional value as the Mile. There is no 1500 meter equivalent to Roger Bannister’s historic and still revered first sub-4 minute Mile; put simply, it is iconic and timeless.

America understands the mystique of the Mile, particularly the sub-4 minute Mile. It is time we Bring Back the Mile, America’s Distance! Join the Movement.



Our Team

No movement or change is done in a vacuum, and Bring Back the Mile is no exception to that rule. Our campaign will succeed because of the collective power of the people – known and unknown – who step up and make it happen. The idea became “real” when last summer we started reaching out to people for feedback and support on the Bring Back the Mile project. We were heartened not only by the positive response (“great idea”, “about time”), but moreover, by the immediate willingness to be part of the Bring Back the Mile effort (“How can I help?”). The support of the people and partners below provided the fuel for the launch of Bring Back the Mile, and we thank them.

Our Team’s mission is clear: to elevate and celebrate the Mile, to truly bring the iconic distance back where it belongs – at the sport’s core. The Bring Back the Mile journey has begun – all are welcome to join us under the BBTM Big Tent. Together, we can and will Bring Back the Mile!

Ryan Lamppa, Founder
David Monico, Marketing Director


Partners

American Milers Association (AMA)

The American Milers' Association was created by the common interest of our country's top runners to inspire kids to adopt an active lifestyle, and to have a positive impact on our sport.

American Running Association (ARA)

A nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and supporting runners. Provides useful suggestions and resources.

Austin Track Club

Austin Track Club is a non-profit organization that promotes health and well being to youth in the Austin, Texas area through health education and running.

Competitor Group

Competitor Group, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, is the leading media and event entertainment company dedicated to the endurance sports industry of running, cycling and triathlons.

Cool Hand Look

The best things in life are hand crafted. At Cool Hand Look we create winning marketing campaigns and content. If you feel lost in a sea full of products and venders, then you need that Cool Hand Look

Flynn Sports Management

Representing athletes in track & field and road racing, FSM won medals in almost all Major Championships and Olympic Games in the 1990s and has continued that success into the new millenium.
Meet All Our Partners

Contact

Our Support Team

● Anne Audain, three-time New Zealand Olympian and resident Mile record holder (4:33.93)
● Paul Banta, OSE Productions
● Don Bowden, first American to break 4 minutes for the Mile (1957); 1956 Olympian 1500m; Mile PR (3:58.7)
● Rod Dixon, 1972 Olympic 1500m bronze medalist for New Zealand; Mile PR (3:53.62)
● Ray Flynn, Irish Olympian and Mile record holder (3:49.77)
● Steve Holman,1992 Olympian 1500m; Mile PR (3:50.40)
● Basil Honikman, co-founder and former CEO of Running USA
● Meb Keflezighi, 2004 Olympic Marathon silver medalist, #1 high school Miler (1994)
● Rich Kenah, 2000 Olympian 800m and sub-4 minute Miler
● Bob Larsen, Mammoth Track Club coach, former UCLA head coach & 2004 Olympic distance coach
● Marty Liquori, 1968 Olympian; #1 ranked Miler in 1969 & 1971 (last American male); Mile PR (3:52.2)
● Terrence Mahon, Mammoth Track Club founder/ coach and UK Athletics coach
● Leo Manzano, 2012 Olympic 1500m silver medalist; Mile PR (3:50.64)
● Tim Murphy, Elite Racing and Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series founder
● Walt Murphy, journalist
● Dick Patrick, journalist, formerly at USA Today
● Keith Peters, Executive Director for the Council for Responsible Sport
● Larry Rawson, TV commentator
● Toni Reavis, TV commentator
● Jim Ryun, 1968 Olympic 1500m silver medalist; former world record holder in the Mile (3:51.1)
● Francie Larrieu Smith, five-time Olympian; former U.S. mile record holder; Mile PR (4:27.52)
● Carrie Tollefson, 2004 Olympian 1500m; three-time USA champion; Mile PR (4:27.96)
● Joe Vigil, legendary distance running, Team Running USA and Olympic coach
● Dave Wottle, 1972 Olympic 800m champion; Mile PR (3:53.3)
● Ruth Wysocki, 1984 Olympian 1500m; Mile PR (4:21.78)

Return the Mile to prominence on the American sports and cultural landscape by elevating and celebrating the Mile to create a national movement.

ELEVATE
Bring Back the Mile as the premier event in the sport, and increase interest in and media coverage of the Mile for both those who love the distance as well as the general public.

CELEBRATE
Bring Back the Mile to celebrate the storied distance and to recognize the people who made and make the Mile great and to promote Mile events and the next generation of U.S. Milers.

NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Bring Back the Mile to create a national movement for the Mile as America’s Distance and to replace the 1600 meters at High School State Track & Field Meets across the country.

Become a Mile Maniac member or a BBTM sponsor today! Join us, and go Mile!

Join Us

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