Entries Open for Bannister Miles 2026

The Bannister Miles is an annual community running event that commemorates Sir Roger Bannister’s historic sub-four-minute mile and encourages participation from across the University. The event returns for its third year on Monday 4 May 2026 (Bank Holiday), marking the 72nd anniversary of his achievement in Oxford on 6 May 1954.

Entries to the community mile are now open.

About the event

• A unique opportunity to run a one-mile course through the heart of Oxford, on roads closed to traffic
• The one-mile distance is an exciting challenge for competitive runners, while remaining very accessible for those taking part to support their college or try running for the first time
• The route starts on St Aldate’s by the entrance to Christ Church, continues along the High Street, crosses Magdalen Bridge, and finishes on Iffley Road. After finishing, runners head to the historic Sir Roger Bannister Track, where they receive their finisher medals. More details on the community mile can be found on the event website.
• Fully chip-timed, with accurate results based on when each runner crosses the start and finish lines
• A celebration of one of the most iconic moments in sporting history - once described as the “Everest of the track”
• Also note that starting at about 2 p.m. the same day, members of the college can watch the Bannister Track Miles, highly-competitive races on the new blue track at the Iffley Road Sports Centre.  Entry is free. The day ends at 6 p.m. with elite races for men and women.  A number of sub-four milers are slated to return from last year's men's event, which had four people run under four minutes. There will be food and drink available throughout the afternoon.