History of Bowerman Mile in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 6, 2025

The Bowerman Mile is a high-profile mile race for elite middle-distance runners. It is an annual event held at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. Known for its prestige and historical significance, the Bowerman Mile attracts top athletes and is a highlight of the track and field season.

1973: Inaugural Prefontaine Classic

In 1973, the Prefontaine Classic began as a Hayward Restoration meeting.

1975: Name Changed to Prefontaine Classic

Following Steve Prefontaine's death in 1975, the Bowerman Classic meeting's name was changed to the Prefontaine Classic in honor of him.

1975: Women's Mile Run Held

In 1975, a mile run was held for women instead of the 1500 meters.

1976: Standalone 1500m Race

In 1976, a standalone 1500 meter race was held.

1978: Standalone 1500m Race

In 1978, a standalone 1500 meter race was held.

1980: Standalone 1500m Race

In 1980, a standalone 1500 meter race was held.

1981: Standalone 1500m Race

In 1981, a standalone 1500 meter race was held.

1985: Steve Cram's British Record

In 1985, Steve Cram set the British record with a time of 3:46.32.

1985: Standalone 1500m Race

In 1985, a standalone 1500 meter race was held.

1987: Women's Mile Run Held

In 1987, a mile run was held for women instead of the 1500 meters.

1988: Mary Decker Sets Meet Record

In 1988, Mary Decker set the meet record with her time of 4:21.25.

1989: Women's Mile Run Held

In 1989, a mile run was held for women instead of the 1500 meters.

1991: Women's Mile Run Held

In 1991, a mile run was held for women instead of the 1500 meters.

1992: Standalone 1500m Race

In 1992, a standalone 1500 meter race was held.

1993: Noureddine Morceli's Time

In 1993 Noureddine Morceli ran a time of 3:44.39.

1993: Women's Mile Run Held

In 1993, a mile run was held for women instead of the 1500 meters.

1999: El Guerrouj's World Record Run

In 1999, El Guerrouj won in Rome with a world record time of 3:43.13.

2000: Bernard Lagat wins bronze medal at Sydney Olympics

In 2000, Bernard Lagat won the bronze medal for 1500m at the Sydney Olympics

2000: Bowerman Mile Established

The Bowerman Mile was established in 2000 to honor Bill Bowerman.

2001: Alan Webb Competes in Bowerman Mile

In 2001, Alan Webb competed against elite international runners, including Hicham El Guerrouj and Bernard Lagat, in the Bowerman Mile at the Prefontaine Classic.

2004: 1500m Run Held

In 2004, a 1500m run was held in addition to the Bowerman Mile.

2007: Alan Webb's American Mile Record

In 2007, Alan Webb set the American mile record of 3:46.91.

2008: 1500m Run Held

In 2008, a 1500m run was held in addition to the Bowerman Mile.

2010: Inaugural International Mile

The International Mile was held in conjunction with the Bowerman Mile, from 2010-2018, and in 2021.

2013: 1500m Run Held

In 2013, a 1500m run was held in addition to the Bowerman Mile.

2015: Carlos Villarreal Wins High School Boys' Mile

In 2015, Carlos Villarreal of Mexico won the high school boys' mile in 4:05.25.

2015: Ryen Frazier Wins High School Girls' Mile

In 2015, Ryen Frazier of the United States won the high school girls' mile in 4:39.84.

2017: Thiago Do Rosario Andre sets meet record

In 2017 Thiago Do Rosario Andre of Brazil clocked 3:51.99.

2018: International Mile Held

The International Mile was held in conjunction with the Bowerman Mile, from 2010-2018, and in 2021.

2021: International Mile Held

The International Mile was held in conjunction with the Bowerman Mile, from 2010-2018, and in 2021.

2022: 1500m Run Held, Samuel Tanner Records Fastest Time

In 2022, a 1500m run was held in addition to the Bowerman Mile. Samuel Tanner of New Zealand recorded the fastest 1500m time of 3:34.37.

2023: El Guerrouj and Ngeny hold fastest mile times

As of 2023, El Guerrouj and Ngeny still hold the first and second fastest mile times respectively.

2023: Jakob Ingebrigtsen's 1500m time

In 2023 Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway clocked 3:28.90 for 1500m.

2023: Jakob Ingebrigtsen Wins Bowerman Mile

On September 16, 2023, Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway won the Bowerman Mile at the Prefontaine Classic & Diamond League Final in 3:43.73 with the aid of pacing lights and pacemakers Erik Sowinski and Cameron Myers.