Oldest American to go sub-32 in 10K might be Mike Blackmore

Mike at Sacto.

Buried in the results of a track 10K a few days ago in Salem, Oregon, was this time: 31:46.63 by Mike Blackmore of Bowerman AC. Mike is 49. I never would have noticed it, of course. (I can barely run 5 miles in an hour.) But Masters Mole No. 255C reports: “Oldest man ever to break 32 min 10K.” Actually, that’s not quite so. According to Pete Mundle’s unofficial single-age records, Antonio Villanueva of Mexico ran 31:04.22 in July 1991 — at the age of 51. Mundle’s list is several years old, but the oldest American listed as going sub-32 for 10K is Pete Magill, who clocked 31:27.3 in 2006. (Pete, please update us on your latest marks.) In any case, single-age records are notoriously hard to confirm. But this is certain: Mike is one helluva runner. He won the M45 5K in Sacramento last year, and will be a favorite at worlds. Congrats!

Mike is in third in the 5K at 2010 Sacramento nationals before beating leader Pete Magill and Francis Burdett.

Willamette University
Willamette Invitational – 4/1/2011 to 4/2/2011
Willamette University – Charles Bowles Track
Salem, Oregon

Event 45 Men 10000 Meter Run A Section
==========================================
Bowles Track: T 29:41.86 2010 Marko Cheseto, Alaska Anch
NWC: * 34:45.18
Name Year School Finals
==========================================
Finals
1 Castillo, Leo Willamette 30:38.01*
2 Marcus, Jonathan Bowerman AC 30:38.34
3 Sorenson, Ryan Southern Oregon 30:40.45
4 Steidl, Uli Seattle RC 30:42.69
5 Elliott, Zach Southern Oregon 30:50.64
6 perry, david Unattached 30:58.06
7 Aleman, Hector Southern Ore. TC 31:02.37
8 Gelfi, Ryan Southern Oregon 31:03.63
9 Bridges, Seth Northwest Univ 31:11.03
10 Bauman, Ahrlin Bowerman AC 31:13.31
11 Salg, Andrew Portland State 31:20.90
12 Jenkins, Aaron Whitworth 31:23.36
13 Heitzinger, Hans Seattle University 31:31.47
14 Yilma, Yonatan Alaska Anchorage 31:34.34
15 Blackmore, Mike Bowerman AC 31:46.63
16 Johnsen, Terry Eastern Oregon 31:50.40
17 Williams, Sean Eastside TC 32:26.30
18 Aubol, Kevin Willamette 32:38.32*
19 Parker, Matt Willamette 33:04.46*

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April 3, 2011

8 Responses

  1. Pete Magill - April 3, 2011

    Great race for Mike! He’s a tough SOB!!!

    As for sub-32s … um, Ken, just a couple days ago you posted about Keith Bateman’s 32:51.86 for 10,000 at age 55, and a little while ago you posted about Peter De Vocht’s 30:55.16 at age 50.

    Personally, I haven’t run a 10,000 on the track in three years, so Mike can have this American accomplishment all to himself.

    Again, fantastic race! Those of you who aren’t distance runners have no idea how tough it is to race 25 laps on the track at Mike’s and my age – seriously, just take a hammer to your feet, ankles, and calves, and you’ll get the picture. 😉

  2. Pete Magill - April 3, 2011

    Um, that was supposed to read: Keith Bateman’s 31:51.86 … but I bet you knew that.

  3. Terry Parks - April 4, 2011

    Mike is also very quick over 800 meters. I am impressed by his incredible range. I really learned what it takes to run the 800 meters by racing against him last year. He is was also a class act before the races and after winning. I know that he must train incredibly hard and I am pleased to see his continued success. Congratulations Mike and keep up the good work.

  4. kevin paulk - April 4, 2011

    Us M50 old farts have less than a year to race with confidence before Blackmore & Magill begin their next half-a-century of racing.

    I raise my Oregon IPA to BAC Teammate Mike Blackmore!

    KP

  5. Mike Blackmore - April 4, 2011

    Thanks guys for the kind remarks. Wow, 31:55 for a 55 year old? Not sure I can train that hard for 6 more years!

  6. Mike Blackmore - April 4, 2011

    Now I’m as bad as Pete. 31:51 is what I meant

  7. Mark Cleary - April 5, 2011

    For those of you who are not familiar with Mike he was a sub 4 minute miler back in the day of Bill Bowerman at the University of Oregon. I tried to get Mike to make a comeback at 40-but he wasn’t that fired up at that time-boy look at him now–and he is a classy guy-Cheers Mike–here’s to some records in your near future!

  8. Franklin Story - September 14, 2012

    Mike has ALWAYS been fast! I raced against him in high school in the Yakima/Mid-Valley Conference. He more than held his own on his leg of the 4x400M relay… and DOMINATED the 1600/3200. I also remember him getting a standing ovation at the 1980 State meet, as well. (If Mike reads this… Todd Macomber and I often wondered what we could have done as a “team” if we just lived a few miles closer to Prosser… with Gary A. in the 800, Todd in the 100/200, myself in the hurdles, Steve Ingralls in the 400, and you in the 1600/3200… and espeically in relays. Both teams separately were just a couple guys short from dominating. BTW– I ran with Gary at EWU for a while, Kevin Kuckenburg, was there too. Glad you are doing well– stay healthy and keep on running, FAST!)

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