Roger Bannister breaks the four minute mile barrier - 6 May 1954 - 3:59.4 (© Getty Images)
On 6 May 2004 in Oxford, England, British athletics will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most famous moments in athletics history, when Roger Bannister became the first person to run the mile in under four minutes (3:59.4).
During that afternoon, today's runners will be restaging the original athletics meeting at which the world record was made, at the University's Iffley Road Sports Ground, with Oxford University Athletes (Past and Present) taking on the Amateur Athletics Association and taking part in a number of Milers' Races.
The afternoon will culminate in an Elite Mile, organised by the British Milers' Club, which will start at 18:00 - the same time as the original record-breaking run.
Among those joining Sir Roger at the celebrations will be people who played crucial roles in the original run and many of the great milers of the last 50 years. During this event, he will also be awarding the first Bannister Medal, to a student from the University who has achieved the highest standards in both their studies and their chosen sport.
Looking back at his world-renowned achievement - 3:59.4 minutes - on the 6 May 1954, Sir Roger said: "It may seem incredible today that the world record at this classic distance could be set by an amateur athlete, in bad weather, on a University running track."
"This is why I hope that this serves as an inspiration to sportsmen and women everywhere to keep striving to achieve their best through personal effort alone."
"The many great Milers whom I hope will be able to join me on 6 May demonstrate the lifelong satisfaction that such achievements bring."
In addition to the celebrations outlined above, UK Athletics will be hosting a dinner in the evening at Pembroke College, Oxford. The theme of the dinner is the past, present and future of British middle distance running. At Sir Roger Bannister's request this dinner is a private dinner by invitation only.
UKA