Return to the Mile?

[TN1965]

Joe Sixpack probably cannot tell the difference between a mile and 1500m (or 1600m for that matter.) So it really does not matter to them which distance is run. They may think it's funny that runners are starting 9m before the finish line or 100m ahead of the finish line. But once the race starts that all becomes irrelevant to them. It's all about "Us vs. Them" whether it's countries, schools or whatever.

[Dutra5]

I don't think the switch to 100m from 100yds had the same effect because of the time element. For instance...today...a guy who runs under 10 secs most people know is pretty good. Same with the women and 11 secs.

In the mile...there is the 4 min barrier whether it's relevent to elite status or not. It still is something that matters to a more casual fan.

[Daisy]

Do we really want it to become a Monster Truck Rally?

They're fun, right? On the other hand, so is lawn mower racing, especially if you know the people driving. Part of track and fields problem is that most of the athletes are completely anonymous.

[aaronk]

I don't think the switch to 100m from 100yds had the same effect because of the time element. For instance...today...a guy who runs under 10 secs most people know is pretty good. Same with the women and 11 secs.

In the mile...there is the 4 min barrier whether it's relevent to elite status or not. It still is something that matters to a more casual fan.

So do many other "English" barriers.

7 foot HJ
200 foot DT
70 foot SP
27 foot LJ
13.00 110H
sub-50.0 400H
etc, etc

Not world beaters or records, but still psychological barriers that, once surpassed, gives one a taste of being an elite athlete and an Olympic prospect.

So the sub-4 mile ain't a record breaker, but it does provide the athlete a rung on the ladder where he/she can envision medals and victories.

Let's keep it.
What harm does it do??

[tandfman]

Joe Sixpack probably cannot tell the difference between a mile and 1500m (or 1600m for that matter.)

Joe Sixpack knows how long a mile is, but has no idea at all how long either 1500 or 1600 meters is. That matters.

[TN1965]

...So do many other "English" barriers.
13.00 110H
sub-50.0 400H

These two are metric records.

So the sub-4 mile ain't a record breaker, but it does provide the athlete a rung on the ladder where he/she can envision medals and victories.

I don't think we will see a 4-minute mile by a woman within my lifetime. On the other hand, any woman who runs a 4-miunute 1500m is an excellent candidate for an Olympic / World medalist.

[BBTM media]

So the sub-4 mile ain't a record breaker, but it does provide the athlete a rung on the ladder where he/she can envision medals and victories.

Let's keep it.
What harm does it do??

Yes, and that sub-4 minute Mile will also likely be covered by the athlete's local media unlike a comparable 3:42 for 1500 meters.

In short, the Mile has media value and interest.

Go Mile!