Ben breaks the legendary four minute marker
Central AC’S Ben Macmillan had the watching crowds in raptures after they watched the Stirling University student become the first Scottish athlete to run a sub four-minute mile on Scottish soil at the Monument Mile Classic last Friday.
On his home Gannochy track, Macmillan produced a stunning performance in the Elite Men’s race to set a new meet record in 3:57.76.
Expertly paced by club mate Alistair Hay, Macmillan pushed on from around three minutes at the bell to finish well clear of a high quality field.
“I was so nervous beforehand,” admitted a delighted Ben. “If I was going to do it I was just going to have to do it myself, or at least give it a go. If I blew up I blew up at least I could say I went for it.”
The result continues a very impressive start to the track season for him which has already seen a big 5000m PB (13:51) and a Scottish University 800m title.
Kieran Reilly (Stirling University/ Central AC) was second in 4.01.37 whilst U20 athlete Jack Patton (Killbarchan AAC) was third in 4:01.90.
It was on July 1985 that John Robson ran 3:57 for the mile in Edinburgh and organisers were delighted that the volunteer-led event witnessed Ben’s effort.
He was one of more than 320 athletes ranging from under 13 to over 70 taking part in a number of mile races on the Stirling University track.
And there were a number of records broken on the night - Corey Campbell (Team East Lothian) broke the world mile record for a 15-year-old with his 4:05.77. UK age group records were clocked by U13 Boys record (Ruairdh Laing); U13 Girls record (Erin Burnett); U17 Boys record (Corey Campbell); Men’s T20 record (Ben Sandilands); Women’s V40 record (Phillippa Millage) and Men’s V60 record (David Clarke).
Another world record was created in the women’s V60 category by Fiona Matheson.
In the Women’s Elite race, Niamh Carr (Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds) led home team-mate Katie Lowery. Carr clocked 4:46.40 for the win with Lowery close behind in 4:47.02. Phillipa Millage was third in 4:48.07 to set a new V40 British Masters record.
Carr was full of praise for the event and atmosphere, saying “The event was really well run I think we should have more events like these that get everyone involved and attract a big crowd. It was so enjoyable to be a part of.”
The fast times were not just contained to the elite races, favourable weather conditions and an electric atmosphere contributed to multiple age group records falling across the 29 races.
Fiona Matheson (Falkirk Victoria Harriers) set the tone for the evening early running 5:38.55 to break the British Masters V60 record and also eclipse the previous WMA record held by American Lesley Hinz. Not to be undone fellow V60 David Clarke (North Belfast Harriers) ran 4:52.01 to also set a new British Masters age group record.
Youngster Rhuariadh Laing (Victoria Park City of Glasgow) clocked 4:50.25 to set a UK U13 all time best for the mile distance.
In the wheelchair race Luke Deighan (Red Star AC) won in a new PB of 4:11.47 from Jake Woods (Red Star AC).
Only in its fifth year The Monument Mile Classic is already becoming a real favourite and standout on the Scottish racing calendar. Athletes were motivated by flame units on the home straight and a buoyant crowd which only got louder and louder as the night progressed and the pace increased. The event is extremely grateful for the generous support from: Sportshoes.com , GSS, and Watts Group.