Olympic star Laura Muir to headline Bannister Track Miles

She will compete in the Millicent Fawcett Mile at Iffley Road in Oxford on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4.

Muir will be aiming to break the track record of 4:27.79, set by Sonia O’Sullivan in 2004.

James Davies, Partner and Head of Blake Morgan’s Oxford office, who will be handing out medals on the day said: “We’re delighted to support Bannister Miles, a much-loved event rooted in Oxford’s sporting and community heritage.

“The Bannister family’s contribution to the city goes without saying, and it’s a privilege for our firm to play a small part in an occasion that brings so many people together.

“We’re really looking forward to Bank Holiday Monday and to welcoming runners, especially when it comes to handing out the medals at the finish.”

Muir is the UK national record holder over the mile with a personal best of 4:15.24.

UK Athletics’ Millicent Fawcett Mile is the premier trophy mile race in the country and forms part of the third annual Bannister Miles celebrations.

The event is named in honour of Dame Millicent Fawcett, who led the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies and was instrumental in securing women’s voting rights in 1918.

The day will feature a full programme of races, starting at 2.20pm, including junior, senior, steeplechase, and para events.

The elite men’s and women’s miles will begin from 5.45pm.

Spectators can attend free of charge and enjoy food, drink, and other activities throughout the afternoon.

Before the track events begin, more than 1,300 runners will take part in the Bannister Community Mile along the streets of Oxford, including more than 300 children.

This year’s event has proved especially popular with families, and after the first Family Wave sold out, organisers opened a second wave to meet demand.

The Family Waves will be started by Gordon Sanghera, the founder of the Sanghera Foundation, who this year have sponsored the event.

Their support has enabled Bannister Miles to provide free places to local school children.

The route starts at St Aldates from 9am, continues along the High Street, and finishes at Iffley Road.

Runners will collect their medals at the site where, 72 years ago, Sir Roger Bannister became the first person to run a sub-four-minute mile.

Medals will be handed out by partners of longstanding Bannister Miles supporter, local Oxfordshire law firm, Blake Morgan.

Entries for the community mile close at midnight on Friday, May 1.

All children under the age of six can enter free of charge.