Sean Wade shatters M50 indoor WR in mile, AR in 3000 in Boston

Results from Boston University mile of Feb. 6, 2016

Results from Boston mile of Feb. 6, 2016

Last year, Marc Bloom wrote about 49-year-old Sean Wade, asking: “Can a 50-year-old run a 4:20 mile? Sean Wade, who at age 30 ran the 1996 Olympic marathon in Atlanta for his native New Zealand, hopes to attempt that feat next February when he turns 50.” Well, he’s there now, and Saturday at Boston University he clocked an incredible 4:23.07 — smashing the listed M50 indoor WR of 4:26.75 by Nolan Shaheed in 2002 as well as Nolan’s 4:25.04 outdoor WR at Eugene in 2001. Age-graded, Sean’s 4:23 is worth 3:50.1 as open time on the Age-Graded Tables. The real indoor WR is 3:48.45. According to Facebook, Sean a couple hours later ran the 3000 in 8:51, bettering Nolan’s listed American record of 8:54.73. (The WR is 8:49.37, which Sean will seek next week.) Sean ran with collegians, and he’s a coach with The Kenyan Way group. Nice job, Sean!

Sean Wade (left) at Boston indoor meet where he shattered WR and AR.

Sean Wade (left) at Boston indoor meet where he shattered WR and AR.

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February 6, 2016

8 Responses

  1. Pete Magill - February 7, 2016

    This is simply fantastic. Sean was struggling in his mid-forties, his performances hit by lingering injuries. But for the past couple years, he’s made a hell of an effort to get healthy, train consistently, train intelligently, and peak for his 50th. His mark isn’t a one-off. And it’s not simply the product of talent. And, best of all, it’s not a surprise. It’s the result of intense, disciplined, unflagging pursuit of a goal. Hat’s off to Sean. Barring injury (and that’s not a given, as most of us post-50s can attest), this is just the first of many marks Sean will be taking down in the months to come.

  2. Matt B. - February 7, 2016

    Congratulations.
    Will be exciting to see his future performances this year. Outdoor mile not so tough, but the
    1500 outdoor WR 3:58.26 set last year is a super tough one! Like a 4:16 mile easy.
    I’m sure 8:41 will go bye bye for 3K
    5K- 14:53? maybe

  3. Brad Barton - February 8, 2016

    Big congratulations to you Sean. Way to be! Wonderful rewards for your tremendous commitment and sacrifices.
    Hope to lace ’em up and toe a line with you this year.

  4. Terry Ballou - February 8, 2016

    Those times are just amazing! Congrats on your World and American records!

  5. Boyd Carrington - February 9, 2016

    Congrats Sean, what a great performance. Looking forward to seeing your accomplishments in 2016.

  6. sean wade - February 11, 2016

    thanks guys, Brad I hope you make it out in the spring. Cheers

  7. Ken Stone - February 12, 2016

    Sean made short list for USATF Athlete of the Week:
    http://www.usatf.org/News/Vashti-Cunningham-s-high-school-record-and-AJR-goo.aspx

  8. Liam Healey - April 1, 2016

    Awesome efforts,
    You’ve still got it in ya! You old bugger.
    I don’t know how you keep going at such a high level. It astounds me. Well done!

    Cheers from Liam down under.

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