Laban Rotich, Ed Whitlock, Luke Whatson Expected for Cambridge Classic Mile
Press Release – May 12, 2005

Cambridge, Ontario

Roger Bannister broke the first ever four minute mile on May 6, 1954.  To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of that event, Run for Life Inc, a non-profit group, staged the Cambridge Classic Mile in June of 2004.   The second annual Cambridge Classic Mile is scheduled for June 11, 2005.  Cambridge is the hometown of both Nathan Brannen and Carmen Douma-Hussar.

The first runner to break the 4:00 mile on the crushed clay track will drive home in a 2005 VW GOLF.   The crushed clay track was installed for the inaugural event in 2004 to give the runners a feel for the type of surface Bannister raced on in 1954.

Laban Rotich (Ken) is scheduled to race at this year’s Cambridge Classic Mile scheduled for June 11, 2005.   As one of the world’s top middle distance runners (mile pb of 3:47),  Rotich has a good chance to win the grand prize worth more than $20,000.  Luke Watson (USA) from Minnesota has also confirmed his spot on the line.   

Special Guests this year include John Moule, is a retired physician from Kitchener, Ontario.  Dr Moule raced against Bannister at the 1954 British Empire Games in Vancouver.  Canada’s first ever four minute miler David Bailey will also be present at the event.

The event takes place on the historic grounds of Galt Collegiate Institute, Ontario’s oldest high school.   The Cambridge Classic Mile is a tribute to the four minute mile…an event that Sports Illustrated called the greatest athletic achievement of the 20th century.  With the VW GOLF incentive, this event gives a whole new meaning to “four on the floor”!

The race is not just for elite runners.  Elementary school children begin racing at 4:00pm.  Masters sensation Ed Whitlock will also race at this event.  Last year, Mr. Whitlock raced in his 1950 University of London shorts and singlet.  At the tender age of 73 Ed ran a 5:56 mile!   Live music and an outdoor dance add to the evenings festivities.  At the Cambridge Classic Mile, excellence will inspire excellence.  

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