July 7, 1999 - Hicham El Guerrouj sets the current mile world record

Today is Monday, July 7, 2025 and on this day in 1999, Moroccan runner Hicham El Guerrouj ran what remains the fastest mile in history.

 

In this episode we will learn about El Guerrouj's running career leading up to that evening, hear how that spectacular race played out, and discuss what's next in the world of middle distance running.

 

This episode was edited and produced by my good friend and confidant, Rob Garcia. Check out his podcast, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rob on the Run on Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠, or on Instagram as @robontherunpod.

 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share, then connect with me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram as well at @running_up_that_hillary⁠⁠⁠⁠, or check out my website at runningupthathillary.com. 

Bibliography:

• ⁠https://web.archive.org/web/20070210141511/http://wls3.com/running/elg.php⁠

• ⁠https://www.deseret.com/sports/2023/2/21/23601453/super-shoes-overwhelming-track-and-field-record-book/⁠

• ⁠https://worldathletics.org/news/report/el-guerrouj-smashes-mile-record-as-johnson-da⁠

• ⁠https://africa-news-agency.com/hicham-el-guerrouj-from-track-to-business-an-exceptional-journey/⁠

• ⁠https://www.abramundi.org/post/hicham-el-guerrouj-legend-and-symbol-of-moroccan-athletics⁠

• ⁠https://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=259970⁠

• ⁠https://runningmagazine.ca/sections/runs-races/jakob-ingebrigtsen-takes-third-straight-diamond-league-title-in-chaotic-1500m-final/⁠

• ⁠https://worldathletics.org/records/all-time-toplists/middlelong/one-mile/all/men/senior⁠