Brad Barton’s Olympian effort: 4:17.54 mile at age 48, 2 months

Brad at an earlier race. Photos from his M45 outdoor WR mile attempt will be up soon.

Brad Barton of Utah said he felt his wheels were like peglegs on the final straight Wednesday night at a USATF San Diego all-comers meet. He had come through the half in 2:08 and the 1320 in maybe 3:13 and was ready to burn the final quarter. But in a near-solo effort, he ran the first 100 of the last lap a little too fast and paid for it. The result was an incredible performance: 4:17.54 for the mile. At 48, the steeple specialist is likely history’s oldest sub-4:20 miler. But the cheers of the small infield crowd vanished as he crossed the line when the clock showed he had fallen short of Tony Young’s listed M45 world record of 4:16.09. And an incredible performance became an incredible disappointment — in Brad’s mind. He groaned as he heard the time, announced by sub-4 miler Paul Greer, himself about to turn 50. Brad was paced by 29-year-old sub-4 man Darren Brown (son of steeple great Barry Brown), but it was all Brad on a supremely gutsy last lap at Olympian High School in Chula Vista, not far from the Olympic Training Center. We’ll have more details, photos and video soon. For now, join me in saluting an effort worthy of an Olympian.

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July 10, 2014

5 Responses

  1. Mike - July 10, 2014

    Wow Brad…I’m sure you’re disappointed but that is an unbelievable performance. I salute you! Get Trautmann, Berra and CC-M out there with you and find away:). Bravo.

  2. Mike - July 10, 2014

    * a way.

  3. Brian C. - July 10, 2014

    Still so impressed Brad. It was great to see you in Salmon.

  4. Brad Barton - July 11, 2014

    So great to spend time with Ken and his sweet wife Chris after the meet. Wonderful people!

    Thank you Mike. I appreciate you.

    Back back at you Brian.

    My legs are still throbbing from the effort two days later…

  5. tOnY yOuNg - July 14, 2014

    that’s a good hurt Brad. well done

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