Why Running A Sub 3:40 MILE is ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE

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The mile world record has stood at 3:43.13 since July 7th, 1999. On that fateful day in 1999, the Moroccan distance running great Hicham El Guerrouj broke the world record, and since that time that was over 20 years ago, no athlete has run within 3 seconds of his performance.

There are many reasons why it has been difficult to break El Guerrouj's time, but it might just be impossible to break the 3:40 barrier.

Leave a comment on when you think someone will break El Guerrouj's world record, and feel free to comment on whether or not you think anyone will ever break the 3:40 mark.

Thanks for watching!

[stephenlong]

I remember when El Guerrouj said that a hundred years from now the mile record would be less than two seconds faster than it is right now, I thought he was crazy but almost 21 years later no improvement. Greatest sports record of all time.

[stormrhode]

The fastest I achieved was in college at around 4:35. Imagining 15 seconds faster each lap is incomprehensible.

[James-gqtb]

They said the 4 minute mile was impossible too.

[TheSkyweasel]

year 3000: Why running A Sub 3:00 MILE is ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE

[migsmully]

I believe part of the problem is the mile isn't run often. It's not an Olympic distance. The 1500m is an Olympic event.

[larrysorenson]

Several years ago we attended a regional NCAA track meet in Arizona USA. At the mile run four contestants broke the four minute mile. One generation ago this would have made history but in the present day not an eyebrow was raised. We are in awe of the athletes in all fields and look forward to their thrilling performances in the future.

[megumei]

At 6:37 his addams apple looks like a face. I can't unsee this!

[vanhalenrocksssss]

I feel like perhaps the most overlooked aspect of improving the mile world record (and any individual’s PR for that matter) is outright sprint speed. For some to average 54.6 per lap for a mile they would almost certainly have to be capable of a 46 second 400, maybe 47 low at worst. VERY few milers are capable of that, with Seb Coe being the closest I can think of. Additionally, they would require all the VO2 max and lactate threshold abilities previously mentioned. Who knows when we’ll see all that.

[danielfarrugia]

You are such a running nerd.. and for that we love you! Keep making great content!

[kwezimashapa]

The title of this video: *Exists*

Eluid Kipchoge: I said no human is limited. Did I f***ing stutter when I said this.

[rgdos]

I watched the Moroccan great throughout his career, and I think having equally talented rivals was a huge difference in his era. Those races were hell from the gun. A few reasons why I think that record will stand for another 50 years +. You have to commit to the distance over your entire career, and not move up for the kickers win. Second, Hicham is truly special, and when you combine that mind with his grind, ain't nobody better. Bekele too...
Sebastian Coe and Roger Bannister had similar talent and sizzling closing speed, their disadvantage was training alone for the most part. I've seen so, so many exceptional athletes with God given leg speed. But only ONE El G!!!

[blotchyt]

Well it technically is possible downhill I would guess

[gavin]

Ineos 3:39 challenge

Nike tests their “alphavictory infinity%” at 0 feet elevation and a robotic pacer

[ninjapacquiao]

When you see Michael Norman, you think maybe there is a chance at the 400 WR
When you see Donovan Brazier, you think maybe there is a chance a the 800 WR
When you see Selemon Barega, you think maybe there is a chance at the 5000 WR


but no one even seems in the realm of the MIle

[belliiahmed]

I'm proud to be Moroccan.. Maybe El gerrouj's WR will last forever.

[classicalytrumpet]

Could you do a video about how COVID-19 is affecting track and field this year. My high schools track season is going to get canceled I think and that threw me off but I cannot imagine how it’s affecting pros. I went into this season expecting to run really fast times and then within a couple days my season fell apart. I would love to see how this is affecting pros and possibly even the Olympics. I have already watched your video on the London Marathon and it’s cancelation I just want to see the whole picture.

[forrestgump]

3:36 HE DID IT EVERYBODY, EL GUERROUJ RAN A 3:34.13 MILE DURING THE MAKING OF THIS VIDEO!!!

[PrimeSuperboy]

During the race when HEG set the world record, Noah Ngeny came in second place also breaking the previous world record while only 20years old. Can you imagine the guts it took for him to stick with HEG?

[camerongray]

Why “world record +1” is ALMOST impossible

[stevebloomer]

What is amazing about Bannister's record is that it was completed with a shit diet, poor shoes, a cinder track, wind interference at the track. For the mile WR to not only be 20 seconds in front of that all these years later, evidences just how outstanding that performance was.