Charles Allie annihilates two long-sprint world records in M65
Charles Allie of Pittsburgh has been a superstar for decades, but quietly and with classy understatement. But his latest statement, a couple weeks after turning 65, deserves some pretty loud cheers. At a Potomac Valley Track Club meet early this month, he shattered world records in the 200 and 400, with astonishing times of 24.85 and 56.28 — bettering listed WRs of 25.20 by American Steve Robbins in 2008 and 56.37 by German legend Guido Müeller in 2004. See results here. Charles, a Houston Elite teammate of Bill Collins, also ran the 100 (into a wind) in 12.40. His 200 had a tiny aiding wind. And what do the Age-Graded Tables say about these marks? They are worth 19.37 and 43.28 for an open runner. Happy belated birthday, Charles. Nice little celebration.
Charles signals double dip with fellow sprint great M75 Larry Colbert (left).
38 Responses
Congratulations Charles. You have ALWAYS been the most under rated sprinter in the world and the most UN-appreciated too.
You’ve always run in a BIG shadow but have always come out ahead age graded. No one seems to notice that though but keep setting those records brother.
Charles, you have done it again. You have broken world records that were established by two of our sports greatest runners, Robbins and Mueller, and in doing so you have reconfirmed what has been obvious for some time now. You are among the legends of our sport, one of the greatest masters runners ever.
Congratulations!
Congrats Charles!! It has been an honor for me to be on the track competing against you and always eating your dust. 🙂
Mr. One-Speed,
Those age graded times say it all. I am always happy for you and I remain your biggest fan. As George says, your place among the legends is secure – and you have always done it with grace and humility.
Carry on. The rest of us will watch from behind.
Charles–Congrats on those great times. That 100 record will be yours, too, very soon. Just stay healthy.
The meet was the Potomac Valley Games on Labor Day Weekend at Falls Church High School, Falls Church, Virginia. I had the pleasure of announcing Charles in all three of his races; his two world records were set in lane 6 of the 6-lane track.
Charles came to the meet to break the 200 and 400 records, and he did. Thus, I was a bit surprised that he ran the 100 before those other two races, but that’s Charles.
Great run Charles. Congratulations my hometown running buddy. Btw – Don’t ever, EVER run 300’s with Charles at track practice.
Congrats Charles on the World Records. When I grow up I want to be just like you! Perhaps more amazing than your talent is your skilled longevity.
Simply unbelievable..but that’s what I think every time I see Charles run. He’s a great runner and great person. Hope I can grow up to be half that fast when I’m 65. Based on his rate of decline his 70 year old times will be very similar.
Charles you reamain one of my top three favorite all time Masters track athletes because you are such a classy guy on and off the track-Cheers my friend!
Charlie,
Anyone who follows Masters Track knows what you have done in the past and should not be surprised at what you just did. You are astonishing!!!
Well done my friend.
Charles is incredible, congrats.
Charlie, what a continued honor to run on the same team with you! Remarkable running man! You are the most consistent sprinter of our time. You have set some tough 400 records my friend. Congrats!
from the middle – long distance crowd —- WOW!!
To all of my fellow track athletes, friends, and teammates: I am truly appreciative of all the kind words of acknowledgment which you have expressed on my most recent track accomplishments.
Winning and setting records may come and go, but developing such great relationships with the Masters
athletes from all over, is truly a wonderful experience that will continue to endure, and outlast any track performance.
It is really an honor to be a part of the Masters program during the past 25 years, both on and off the track.A special acknowledgment to Steve Robbins in giving me something to aim for, and keeping the records in the USA.
By the way, I just received the my results from the US Anti-Doping Agency, on Sept. 10, by email, and they were ‘NEGATIVE’ I’ve been tested twice during the past 2 years after winning the 400m. Hopefully, I may not have to endure another test after setting the records. If so, that’s not a problem.
Everyone stay healthy, see you soon.
Congradulations. We know those records are just the beginning of the next four years. Who knows you may try the 800 or pentathon someday.
Mr. Allie,
Two World Records the SAME DAY! That is Amazing Charles….
May get in touch for some training tips…
Sully
Husband! After all of these years, I still enjoy watching you run! I am so happy for you in breaking those records! You deserve it; you work really hard. Keep it up!
Jackie
Leo, sorry I meant Charles! Big Brother nothing about you is a surprise. When I grow up, I truly want to be just like you! It is such a pleasure knowing you and the superlative example you provide as an inspiration to all who witness your awesome accomplishments! Although a lot of people sometimes call me Charles and you Leo – I think Oscar Peyton set the record right by saying “Charles is older, shorter and faster”. Great job Big Brother!!!
I want to remind everyone that Charles ran the 400 a whole second faster a few weeks before in Lilse!!!!!
Speaking of Lisle, the photos of that meet just went up on the USATF web site. There are two nice ones of Charles. Of course, he was 64 at Lisle, 65 at Potomac Valley. Hard to believe how good he is … If he comes to Landover in March I will have to come up with a new introduction for him.
Charles: GREAT JOB and I am sure in your usual manor, SMOOTH !!!! “ONE SPEED” … Now, this accomplishment reminds me of the question Rick Riddle asked you at dinner at Lisle Champs. At what point do you decide to stop competing in Track & Field. If I remember correctly, you said just as long as you can still put up respectable times!!! Based on the age grading you can go well beyond 100+ age group. Proud to be your team mate !!!!
CONGRATS CHARLES,YOUR ATHLETIC ABILITY IS ONLY EXCEEDED BY YOUR HUMBLENEES AS A MAN.
LOVE YOU
Way to go Charles. I was scheduled to compete there but could not make it to witness those amazing runs.
Maybe, I will be around for your next one.
Hi Charles–just our brief time together at San Sebastian, Spain told told me you were put together for great accomplishments. You truly deserve to enjoy the fruit of your labor—in addition to being a great ambassador for masters track. Even at 82, you younger athletes are inspiring. Congratulations. Don Cheek
Charles. A wonderful achievement! Hearty congratulations from Europe.
Are you sure this guy is 65? he seems 20
Absoultely fantastic. Charles was something to behiold in Lisle, and seems to get better with age.
Charles,
A huge congrats to you! There is no one more humble yet always prepared to run on any given day. When I grow up I want to be like you!
CHARLES,YOU”RE LIKE A FINE WINE,YOU’RE GETTING BETTER WITH TIME.CONGRATS MY FRIEND!!!
Charles Allie:
Set world outdoor record in 400 (52.24) at age 55.
Set American outdoor mark in 400 (54.29) at age 61.
Set world outdoor record in 400 (56.28) at age 65.
Remarkable, but what stands out for me as an announcer is that Charles is always there. I must have announced him in 300+ races over the years.
I just took a quick look at the record holders. I can’t think of any other American sprinter who has participated in as many big meets in the U.S. as Charles has and done so in such brilliant fashion.
I believe that Charles stands alone for consistent high-powered performances over a period of many years in an overwhelming number of meets. Maybe somebody can think of someone else. If not, I will give Charles the prize.
Ken the 400 doesn’t age grade to 43.28 but 44.55. Amazing all the same. Not sure what calculator you are using.
Other marks by Charles:
His age 55 52.24 = 44.05 (98.02%)
His 54.29 at age 61 = 44.06 age graded. (98%)
Others:
Fred Sowerby’s 52.46 at age 56 = 43.96 (98.22%)
Age 70 Guido Muller 59.34 = 43.43 or 99.42%
Ralph Romain’s 52.52 at age 58 = 43.45 (98.38%)
In fact, the top mark belongs to Ralph at age 63 with his 53.88 just shy of 100% at 99.98% age graded 43.19 Just shy of MJ’s 43.18
An equivalent mark for a 65 year old would require 54.56
Oh -I stand corrected Hugh Coogan at age 76 on Nov 5th last year ran a 1:04.1 400 DOB: August 15, 1935 = 41.86!! or 103.14% equal to just about a 52.89 at age 65. http://www.mastersathletics.net/index.php?id=1697
PETE DON’T FORGET CHARLES AND ALSTON BROWN HAVE THE INDOOR 55-59 400M 53:20 WORLD RECORD
Charlie, I have watched you run for many years, in awe at your incredible performances, and with admiration at your down to earth demeanor. Many congratulations.
Wow! Another great master’s competitor to look up to. Thanks!! Your buddy and my brother-in-law Ronald ‘Tweet’ Holmes sends his congratulations.
Brother Charles, for those of us who know you…..as great as you are on the track, you are even greater outside the track arena. You are consistently considerate and kind. I am proud of you and glad to be considered your friend.
Catching up on my Masters Track.com. These times are amazing Charles!
congrats Charles. keep up the good work. we know training is not easy at our age.
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