Today is Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 and on this day in 1975, New Zealander John Walker became the first human in history to run a mile faster than 3:50.

In this episode, we'll hear about the stray animal that kickstarted Walker's running career as a child, how the fateful race played out on that summer evening in Sweden, and the embarrassingly American error I made during my research.

It is #Tattoosday which means that this episode of Today in Running History is sponsored by MyRaceTatts, the creators of the running mantra temporary tattoos that I absolutely LOVE.

Listeners of Today in Running History can save 20% off your order using my code "Hillary" at checkout. ⁠⁠⁠Here is the link⁠⁠⁠ to MyRaceTatts.

This episode was edited and produced by my good friend and confidant, Rob Garcia. Check out his podcast, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rob on the Run on Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on Instagram as @robontherunpod.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share, then connect with me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram as well at @running_up_that_hillary⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or check out my website at runningupthathillary.com.

Bibliography:

• ⁠https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/john-walker-breaks-world-mile-record⁠

• ⁠https://www.runblogrun.com/2020/08/august-12th-1975-the-40th-anniversary-of-john-walkers-3494-world-record-mile-race.html⁠

• ⁠https://www.runblogrun.com/2024/08/august-12th-1975-the-49th-anniversary-of-john-walkers-349-4-world-record-mile-race.html⁠

• ⁠https://www.britannica.com/story/timeline-of-the-space-race⁠

• ⁠https://athletics.org.nz/legends/sir-john-walker/⁠

• https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/john-walker