Mile News


First sub-5 minute woman in the Mile lends her support to Runway Runaround

March 20, 2013

An Olympian and former world record holder will be spurring runners on at this year's Runway Runaround.

By Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust

CORNWALL, England -- Diane Charles (nee Leather) from Zelah can claim three world records and was the first woman to break the five minute Mile. On Sunday 24th March, she will be setting runners off from the start line of Runway Runaround 2013.

In 1954, just 23 days after Roger Bannister clocked the first sub-4 minute Mile, Diane posted a time of 4 minutes 59.6 seconds in a club meet whilst at Birchfield Harriers.

Diane, who recently turned 80, said; “I had tried it a few times at bigger events but not quite managed to get below five minutes."

“We were running on our own, but when the time keeper announced that the five minute barrier could be on the crowd really got behind me."

Continue reading at: cornwallairambulancetrust.org

Tags: roger bannister (175) , diane charles (6)

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