63 Years Since the First Sub-4 Mile at Hayward Field

Dyrol Burleson outkicks Stanford’s Ernie Cunliffe, in a dual meet against Stanford University to become the second American to break the 4-minute barrier. Photo provided by UO Libraries Special Collections and University Archives

By Natalie Baltierra

“When you see someone do the impossible, everything becomes possible.” 

63 years ago this month, 20-year-old University of Oregon sophomore, Dyrol Burleson, ran the first sub-4 minute mile at Hayward Field on April 23rd, 1960.  

Burleson clocked a time of 3:58.60 for the mile, outkicking Stanford’s Ernie Cunliffe, in a dual meet against Stanford University to become the second American to break the 4-minute barrier. His mark surpassed Don Bowden’s American record by one tenth of a second.    

Under the guidance of Coach Bill Bowerman, Burleson never lost a race during his time as an Oregon Duck. He received the first full ride scholarship from Coach Bowerman and credits his undefeated collegiate career to his coach, as mentioned in an interview with sportswriter Gary Cohen.   

Burleson was a three-time NCAA champion between his sophomore through senior seasons. He won the 1500m in 1960 and the mile in 1961 and 1962. Since freshmen were not allowed to compete during this time, Burleson competed in the 1500m at the 1959 Pan American Games and the AAU and US-USSR dual meet. 

Since then, over thousands of athletes have accomplished the sub-4 minute mile feat – something that used to be thought of as an impossible task. It was not until British athlete Roger Bannister did the “impossible” to become the first person to run a mile in under four minutes in 1954.    

Almost seven decades later, the "impossible” has nearly become the norm. 

According to the Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS), a total of 103 NCAA-level (Division I, II, and III) athletes have run a sub-4 mile this past 2022-2023 NCAA Indoor Track & Field season.  

A lot has changed since then and there are many factors that come into play when looking at the why and how of the remarkable increase of sub-4 minute miles: The evolution of training, advanced coaching, modern facilities, the introduction of “super shoes,” and much more.   

Yet, one thing remains the same no matter the passage of time: The chase for the coveted sub-4 mile.  

Today, the sub-4 feat is commemorated right here in our Eugene/Springfield community. Founded in 2022 by Olympian, World-Record Holder, and three-time U.S. Champion Ben Blankenship, Endless Mileage is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable environments and programming that inspire the next generation of track & field athletes to break barriers. 

Under the Endless Mileage project, the Fast Forest is the visible recognition of the accomplishments of the American athletes who have run a sub-4 (men) and sub-4:30 (women) mile.  

Located at Dorris Ranch in Springfield, Oregon – just three miles east of Hayward Field – over 692 trees have been planted to honor the 692 American athletes who have accomplished this feat through 2021, with more trees being added every year. Dyrol Burleson’s sub-4 minute mile is immortalized with the second tree planted in the grove. 

Every tree has a biodegradable hang tag with the athlete’s name, official time, and date of the accomplishment so you will know when you have found the right one. Wander the grove or search for a specific athlete using the Fast Forest map here – and be sure to tell us what you think.