"I was not much use at conventional games but did enjoy running with only modest success. My academic skill was in Mathematics. After two years' National Service I came to Lincoln College, matriculating in 1953. In the three years no one in college read Maths, so I never indulged in talking shop. However, at that time Lincoln was strong in athletics and running - we won the Cross Country Cuppers in '53 and '54. A contemporary of mine was Derek Johnson. On that evening [6th May 1954 - Bannister sub4min mile] he won both the 220yds and 440yds. I too was part of a group at the Iffley Road that evening. Later that year Derek took Gold at the Empire Games in Vancouver, in a record time in the Half Mile; at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics it was Silver in the 800m. Heady times indeed."

Please do give Roger's recollection of 6 May 1954 a read. It is a fascinating and wonderful read dedicated to his late friend Brian who he watch the 1954 race with.

The Elite Women's 800m race at Iffley Festival of Miles 2013

Ever wondered about the genesis of Bannister Miles? Huge thanks to Chris McGurk– Club Captain in 2009-10 – for this absorbing account of the event’s early years:

"The idea of setting up the Iffley Miles first occurred to me in 2011. The OUAC President had sweet-talked me into being Fixtures Secretary, which turned out to be more work than anticipated, but more interesting too. I learned how to host an athletics meeting (who knew the starter has to have a firearms license, as the starter's pistol is classed as a real gun?) and ended up with plenty of contacts amongst the local athletics officials network."