JOHN KESTON'S MASTERS MILE

To all-
I would like to thank everyone who has come forward to support the Keston mile record petition. The response has given me cause to believe that athletes really care about these issues and their opinions can make a difference. But now I feel I owe everyone an additional explanation and an apology.

Back in December, the Keston application was rejected on the grounds that his performance was "handicapped". That is what started this process in motion. I felt that was an unfair ruling, and I still do. However, a new problem has come to light. Much to my chagrin, it has recently been pointed out to me that this record can not be accepted on the grounds that the track used cones in place of a rail on the inside lane. The rules, in fact, are quite clear on that point. While I wish it were not so, I must agree that the record can not be accepted under the existing rules.

I will attempt to submit a rule change at the convention this year which would allow cones to subsititute for rails under certain circumstances. But I am not very optimistic that such an ammendment will be adopted. So as of today, I am discontinuing the Keston petition effort. If, in the future, the rail/cone rule is changed, John's record can come up for re-evaluation. But if the current rules stand, there's no point in pursuing this further.

None of this diminishes the historic performance of John Keston, which will always be remembered by those of us who saw it.

-Dave Clingan


John Keston, age 80, ran a mile in 6:48.3 on May 14, 2005
smashing the previous world age-group record by 63 seconds.


Keston mid-race
Keston's finish

The Meet: Oregon Relays, May 14, 2005, Canby HS, Canby, Oregon. Officially sanctioned by USATF Oregon.

The Event: Masters Age-Graded Mile.

The Race:
At the starting line, masters runners John Keston and Suzy MaCleod listen to the starter's commands. The gun goes off and the race begins. Within seconds, additional masters athletes enter the race, in age-graded time-delayed waves. There are a total of 12 runners, all running exactly one mile. John Keston crosses the finish line first. Three USATF certified officials clock his time. All watches show 6:48.3 plus or minus 2 tenths of a second. It is the fastest 80 year old outdoor mile ever, breaking a world record by 63 seconds. (As one of many witnesses that day, I can testify from my own observation that John Keston's performance was legitimate).