Sam Ruthe sub-four-minute mile

The story so far

The national track and field championships opened at the Caledonian Ground in Dunedin in early March 2025, with Otago athletes winning medals on the first day.^{7 Mar 2025} At the championships, Olympian Sam Tanner and 15-year-old Sam Ruthe dead-heated in the 1500 metres and shared the national title.^{9 Mar 2025} Tauranga runner Sam Ruthe then attempted to break the four-minute mile, aiming to become the youngest person ever to do so.^{17 Mar 2025} Ruthe ran 3m 58.35s at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium, becoming the youngest runner to break four minutes for the mile, and was paced by training partner Sam Tanner.^{19 Mar 2025} Coverage describes the run as a world record for the youngest person to break the four-minute mile, and Ruthe's father and coach praised his composure.^{20 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 7 Mar 2025National championships open in Dunedin with Otago medal winners on day one.
2. 9 Mar 2025Sam Tanner and 15-year-old Sam Ruthe share the 1500m national title.
3. 17 Mar 2025Ruthe sets out to attempt the four-minute mile barrier.
4. 19 Mar 2025Ruthe runs 3m 58.35s, becoming youngest to break four minutes.
5. 20 Mar 2025Run described as a world record for the youngest sub-four-minute mile.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.