The Dream Mile, a Bislett Tradition
Top international field includes two-time champion Ayanleh Souleiman, Ingebrigtsen brothers and American Johnny Gregorek
From Oslo Bislett Games
The history of the world's most famous track race is now part of athletics folklore. Superstar Mile athletes like Sebastian Coe, Steve Cram, Steve Ovett and Steve Scott have all contributed to establishing the Dream Mile with worldwide prominence.
And who can ever forget the black clad New Zealanders, led by the man with 127 sub-4 minute miles to his credit: legend and Olympic champion John Walker.
In the almost fifty-year history of the event no Norwegian has ever claimed a victory in the Dream Mile.
Norwegian Mile recordholder Henrik Ingebrigtsen has probably gone the closest when in 2014 he established the current Norwegian record of 3:50.72. This year his two younger brothers will both challenging, not only for victory but also trying to smash their elder brother's record.
Filip holds the current Norwegian record for the 1500 meters at 3:30.01, whilst the youngest Ingebrigtsen, Jakob is closing in on both his brother's marks and has two gold medals from last year's European Championships to support his growing reputation.
However, standing in their way in their quest for victory on Thursday evening, June 13 will be some extremely talented runners from all corners of the globe.
As usual there will be a strong African presence headed by two-time Dream Mile winner Ayanleh Souleiman from the tiny East African nation of Djibouti. His credentials are very evident; a former World Indoor Champion plus a fourth place at Rio Olympics combined with a Mile PR of 3:47.32 makes him the obvious favorite.
At trio of Kenyans, Bethwell Birgen, Vincent Kibet and Justus Soget will be very prominent as they always are at Bislett and they enjoy the fast pace.
The Australian Mile record was established on more than one occasion at Bislett stadium, and the consistent Ryan Gregson, a two-time Olympian, will be another who will look for a sub-3:50 clocking.
Another entrant with a very interesting background is American Johnny Gregorek who came into prominence when he ran a sub-3:50 Mile indoors this past March. His father, John, competed in the Dream Mile some thirty years ago and might be the first father and son to contest the famous race.
A fast-even pace before a capacity crowd will ensure that all competitors have a chance at not only victory but national and personal records.
At Bislett Stadium the tradition of the Dream Mile continues.
