It’s been more than a week since Yared Nuguse broke the collegiate record in the men’s 1500 meters, and the magnitude of his accomplishment still hasn’t set in.
The unassuming biochemistry major, who won the 1500 meters in a photo finish at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships, said he just wants to make up for lost time after the 2020 COVID-19 cancellations. Now he’s taking advantage of every race opportunity and making history along the way.
On Thursday, May 13, the Notre Dame junior shocked the college running world with a 3:34.68 victory in the first round of the ACC Outdoor Track and Field Championships, held at the Paul Derr Track in Raleigh, North Carolina. For Nuguse, the record signified growth that’s been three years—and a pandemic—in the making.
“I just felt like there was a lot left that I wanted to prove and show,” Nuguse told Runner’s World. “I want to get the most out of my college experience, and I think running that [NCAA record] was a big part of that. Outdoor is probably not my most favorite season of them all, but it’s still just very heartwarming to see how far I’ve come since I first got here.”
After he wrapped up his finals on Wednesday, Nuguse hopped on a call to share his thoughts on the record, the events that led to the effort, and his goals for the rest of the year.
He ran the record completely solo
From the gun, Nuguse put a huge gap on his competitors—splitting 57.44 for the second lap and 57.83 on the third lap.
In most races, Nuguse focuses on competing for the win against other athletes, so running by himself for time was a challenge. When former NCAA record-holder Josh Kerr set the previous collegiate best in the 1500 meters—3:35.01—the race included pacers and a stacked field.
“I felt like I used a lot of my energy going to that last lap. I definitely had a lot of doubts going through my head. I was just like, oh man, I don’t know if I can really do this,” Nuguse said. “I looked over and just seeing my coach yelling and my teammates going at it at this point in the race, I [thought], ‘You’ve come so far. You can’t really give up at this point.’ I think that kind of determination really pulled me through that last lap.”
After maintaining his pace in the last quarter mile, Nuguse blazed through the finish in a time that’s now No. 8 in the world and the fastest 1500 run by an American so far this year. On Saturday, he capped off the weekend by defending his ACC 1500-meter title in 3:40.86.
Skipping indoor track for cross country fired him up
When the NCAA scheduled the postponed 2020 cross-country championships and the indoor track championships within a five-day span in March, Nuguse and the Fighting Irish opted to focus on the cross-country meet in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Instead of running for an individual title in the indoor mile, Nuguse toed the line with his teammates in the 10K and contributed as the fifth scorer in Notre Dame’s impressive runner-up finish against team winner Northern Arizona. The second-place effort on March 15 was a big improvement on the squad’s eighth-place showing in 2019.
And while he would’ve enjoyed the opportunity to race indoors, Nuguse preferred the experience of a team breakthrough in cross country, his favorite sport.
“I’m not quite as good for sure [in cross country], but there’s just that team aspect I’m always talking about that I love so much,” Nuguse said. “Even if I don’t have the talent that I have in track, the success we have in cross country just feels better than the success in any track race for me.”
Nuguse kept tabs on the indoor track competition, including the Oregon duo of Cooper Teare and Cole Hocker, who both broke the previous NCAA indoor mile record in February. At the NCAA championships, Hocker won the mile and 3,000 meters, and Teare finished second in the 3,000 meters. Watching their performances, Nuguse became even more excited for the spring. “This is going to be a fun track season after all,” he thought.
On May 8, the competitors finally faced off at the Oregon Twilight Meet in Eugene, Oregon. Nuguse chased down Teare on the last lap and won the race with a lean at the finish, clocking a 3:35.96 personal best.
After coming agonizingly close to the 3:35 Olympic standard and the NCAA record, Nuguse and his coach Sean Carlson devised a plan to chase the mark with fresh legs in the first round at the conference championships.
“It was a very low-stress environment to go out and do it, and if things aren’t going well, it was very easy to just stop and save it for another time. But when you go into [NCAA] regionals and nationals it’s definitely going to be harder and harder to run that time, so this was kind of my last chance to get it out of the way before getting into more of a championship-season mindset,” he said.
He’s raising awareness for the crisis in Tigray
In addition to raising the bar on the track, Nuguse is using his platform to raise awareness of a crisis in his family’s country of origin.
His parents are from the Tigray region of Ethiopia, which is in the middle of a horrific civil war that has killed thousands of people and displaced millions since Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered the offensive in early November 2020. On May 13, 2021, CNN published an investigation that found Eritrean troops disguised as Ethiopian military are killing and blocking humanitarian aid to starving populations in the Tigray region.
Nuguse, who has family members that still live in the area, has participated in several protests in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky; made donations to help those in the Tigray region; and shared resources through Instagram to inform and call for action.
“This crisis is very close to my heart,” Nuguse said. “I think the awareness of the situation at this point is not nearly what it should be because there have been some awful things going on there with soldiers from Eritrea and Ethiopia forcing their will on the region, and it’s been happening since November. The very least that I can do is use my platform to spread awareness of topics that are very important to me. I’ve been given the gift of this platform, if I’m not using it to help others in any way that I can, what’s the point?”
Having the No. 1 U.S. time is an unexpected honor
While he’s always enjoyed running for his team, Nuguse said he was more focused on going to dental school after college rather than going to the Olympics. To earn the No. 1 spot heading into the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials—in a field that includes 2016 Olympic champion Matt Centrowitz—is an unforeseen and exciting spot to be in for the college junior, who hopes to turn pro after he’s accomplished his running goals at Notre Dame.
“It’s definitely a little weird for sure to be in that spotlight,” Nuguse said. “I wasn’t the kid growing up who wanted to go to the Olympics. That was never me, so to kind of be in that position is a little weird and unexpected. I’m sure as the season goes on, things will change, but just to be at the top for any amount of time, is just an honor.”
In the next few weeks, Nuguse aims to defend his NCAA 1500-meter title and compete at the Trials, which are scheduled for June 18 to 27 in Eugene, Oregon. When asked about his chances of making the Olympic team, Nuguse was open to the possibility with quiet confidence.
“It’s definitely something I’d like to attempt,” Nuguse said. “I know there’s a lot of really good professional runners out there and even college runners, so it is definitely going to be very difficult, but I think it’s a challenge I’m willing to take on.”
Taylor Dutch
Taylor Dutch is a writer and editor living in Austin, Texas, and a former NCAA track athlete who specializes in fitness, wellness, and endurance sports coverage. Her work has appeared in Runner’s World, SELF, Bicycling, Outside, and Podium Runner.
FAQs
Meet Yared Nuguse, the New NCAA Record-Holder in the 1500 Meters? ›
Nuguse defeated a deep field of runners to win the Wanamaker Mile in 3:47.38. Back in 2019, a 20-year-old Notre Dame student-athlete named Yared Nuguse won the NCAA 1500-meter title by a lean. Talks of his potential grew and grew, and he kept meeting expectations. First he ran an NCAA record in 2021.
Who holds the women's 1500m world record? ›NCAA record indoor Mile (4:24.26)
Who is the fastest female mile runner? ›The fastest run mile by a female athlete is 4 minutes 12.33 seconds. It was achieved by Sifan Hassan, who represented Netherlands at an IAAF Diamond League meeting in Monaco on July 12, 2019. Previously, the record was held by Svetlana Masterkova, whose record was 4 minutes 12.56 seconds.
Who is the current world record holder of the fastest runner in female? ›The current men's record is held by Usain Bolt. But who is the fastest woman? That title belongs to the one and only Florence Griffith-Joyner. Known as “Flo-Jo” by her many fans, Griffith-Joyner has held the women's world record in the 100-meter sprint since 1988.
Did Usain Bolt break a world record? ›Usain Bolt's 100m records
Usain Bolt set the current 100m world record at the 2009 IAAF World Championships, clocking an astonishing 9.58 seconds for the feat.
World Athletics is the official body which oversees the records. Hicham El Guerrouj is the current men's record holder with his time of 3:43.13, while Sifan Hassan has the women's record of 4:12.33. Since 1976, the mile has been the only non-metric distance recognized by the IAAF for record purposes.
Who holds the men's 200 meter world record? ›The men's world record holder is Usain Bolt of Jamaica, who ran 19.19 seconds at the 2009 World Championships. The women's world record holder is Florence Griffith-Joyner of the USA, who ran 21.34 s at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Has any woman run a mile under 4 minutes? ›
In the era of ratified world records, Svetlana Masterkova's 1996 world record of 4:12.56 in the mile came 81 years after Norman Taber ran 4:12.6.
Has a woman ever run a 4 minute mile? ›Six years later, Paola Pigni-Cacchi of Italy ran 4:29.5, the first woman under 4:30 for the Mile, and possibly a more comparable mark for women to the iconic 4-minute Mile for men.
How fast should a female athlete run a mile? ›Female 1 Mile Running Times
A good 1 mile time for a woman is 07:44. This is the average 1 mile time across women of all ages. The fastest 1 mile time ran by a woman is 04:13.
7-Year-Old Girl Breaks Junior Olympics Record, Named Fastest Kid In The Nation. Dakota White, a young Black athlete from Dallas, Texas, set a new national record with her time of 59.08 seconds.
What is the fastest 5 mile run by a woman? ›Female 5 Mile Running Times
The fastest 5 mile time ran by a woman is 23:50.
The first world record in the 100 metres sprint for women was recognised by the Fédération Sportive Féminine Internationale (FSFI) in 1922. The FSFI was absorbed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in 1936. The current record is 10.49 seconds set by Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988.
Who holds the 100m world record female? ›100m World Record - Florence Griffith-Joyner - 10.49
Records! Records!
The official world records in the 5000 metres are held by Joshua Cheptegei with 12:35.36 for men and Letesenbet Gidey with 14:06.62 for women.
Who is faster a cheetah or Usain Bolt? ›A cheetah is 45 miles per hour faster than Usain Bolt. While the answer may not surprise you, Usain Bolt is no match for a cheetah in terms of speed and agility. However, with adequate training, Usain Bolt may have enough endurance to beat a cheetah in an endurance or long-distance competition.
Who is the fastest man in the world right now? ›
Usain Bolt, a Jamaican athlete born in 1986, is the fastest person in the world.
What is Usain Bolt's top speed mph? ›Exactly How Fast Can Usain Bolt Run? Bolt's top speed during his world record run was 27.33 miles per hour (mph) , which he reached around the 60-80m mark. This is equivalent to: 44.72 km/h.
Who is the only white man to run 100m under 10 seconds? ›Christophe Lemaitre (French pronunciation: [kʁistɔf ləmɛtʁ]; born 11 June 1990) is a French sprinter who specialises in the 100 and 200 metres. In 2010, Lemaitre became the first white athlete to break the 10-second barrier in an officially timed 100 m event.
Who was the first man to break the four minute mile? ›A four-minute mile is the completion of a mile run (1609 m) in four minutes or less. It was first achieved in 1954 by Roger Bannister, at age 25, in 3:59.4. As of April 2021, the "four-minute barrier" has been broken by 1,664 athletes, and is now a standard of professional middle distance runners in several cultures.
Who is the man that ran 1000 miles? ›A man who ran 1000 miles in less than 12 days and holds the American record for distance in six days — 577 miles. That man is Stu Mittleman.
Who is the only male athlete in history to win the 200 and 400 meters at the same Olympics? ›The "Fastest Man on Earth". MJ is the only male athlete in history to win the 200 meters and 400 meters events at the same Olympics, a feat he accomplished at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
Is there a 300 in track? ›The 300 metres is an uncommon (meaning not on an Olympic or World Championship program) sprinting event in track and field competitions.
How do you run a mile in 4 minutes? ›Someone looking to run a sub four-minute mile is likely to run their tempos at the following paces: around 3 minutes 7 seconds per km or 5 minutes per mile.
How many mph is a 4 minute mile? ›Running a 4-minute mile is an incredible feat, and one not too many people can boast. To accomplish it, runners must maintain an average speed of 15 miles per hour, and it takes serious strength and endurance to do that.
How fast should a woman run 4 miles? ›Female 4 Mile Running Times
A good 4 mile time for a woman is 34:02. This is the average 4 mile time across women of all ages. The fastest 4 mile time ran by a woman is 19:00.
What is the longest distance a woman has run? ›
I really think the future is about being able to go longer and to find out what's possible for women.” Herron is the current world record holder for 50 miles (5:38:41), 100 miles (12:41:11) and 24 hours (262.192K or 162.919 miles).
How do you break a mile in 7 minutes? ›- Spend the first 15-25 minutes just running at your normal pace.
- Run the next 30 minutes kicked up a notch (ideally at a pace of 7.5min / mile)
- Spend the next 60 seconds running as fast as your legs will take you.
- Then slowly and carefully work yourself back down to your normal pace.
Twenty U.S. high school students have run the mile in less than four minutes since 1964.
How fast should a 25 year old female run a mile? ›| Age | Men (minutes per mile) | Women (minutes per mile) |
|---|---|---|
| 16–19 | 9:34 | 12:09 |
| 20–24 | 9:30 | 11:44 |
| 25–29 | 10:03 | 11:42 |
| 30–34 | 10:09 | 12:29 |
| Age Group: Female | Beginner | Elite |
|---|---|---|
| 20-30 | 10:40 | 6:05 |
| 30-40 | 10:47 | 6:10 |
| 40-50 | 11:25 | 6:31 |
| 50-60 | 12:39 | 7:14 |
As a general estimate, most experienced runners can run a mile in around 8 to 11 minutes. Newer runners, or those who simply have a slower pace, may fall in the range of 10 to 15 minutes.
What is the world record women's 1500 free? ›2022 FINA WORLD CUP – TORONTO
In her first-ever short course 1500 meter freestyle, American Katie Ledecky shattered the World Record. Ledecky's winning time of 15:08.24 broke the old record of 15:18.01 that was set by German Sarah (Kohler) Wellbrock in 2019.
A good 1500m time for a woman is 31:27. This is the average 1500m time across women of all ages.
What is the average female 1500m time? ›Check your time against the average for Men & Women. A Good 1500m time is 4 mins 04 sec for men & 4min 37 sec for women.
What is the women's longest world record? ›There have been four occasions when the record was tied and three when it was improved upon twice in the same competition. The current women's world record is held by Galina Chistyakova of the former Soviet Union who leapt 7.52 m (24 ft 8 in) in Leningrad on 11 June 1988, a mark that has now stood for over 35 years.
Who holds the world record in the women's 100? ›
100m World Record - Florence Griffith-Joyner - 10.49
Records! Records!
Lisa Sparks slept with a shocking 919 men in just 7. 5 hours.
What is the women's 5 mile world record? ›The official world records in the 5000 metres are held by Joshua Cheptegei with 12:35.36 for men and Faith Kipyegon with 14:05.20 for women.
What is the average a woman can run a mile? ›Female 1 Mile Running Times
A good 1 mile time for a woman is 07:44. This is the average 1 mile time across women of all ages. The fastest 1 mile time ran by a woman is 04:13.
| Age | Men (minutes per mile) | Women (minutes per mile) |
|---|---|---|
| 20–24 | 9:30 | 11:44 |
| 25–29 | 10:03 | 11:42 |
| 30–34 | 10:09 | 12:29 |
| 35–39 | 10:53 | 12:03 |
No woman has yet run a four-minute mile.
Can a girl run a 5 minute mile? ›To run a sub-5 minute mile (9 meters more than 1600), runners need to average 75 seconds or faster for 4 laps. These days, most high school freshman boys break 5 and the really good high school girls break the 5-minute barrier.
How fast does the average woman run 2 miles? ›Female 2 Mile Running Times
A good 2 mile time for a woman is 16:24. This is the average 2 mile time across women of all ages. The fastest 2 mile time ran by a woman is 09:29.
Before the Olympics, there was not a global standard between countries for track and field events or measurements. However, at the first Olympics in 1896, the 1500 meters was the event selected over the mile. It's been that way since, making the 1500 meters the international event of choice.
What woman has the longest legs ever? ›The Guinness World Record for having the longest female legs belongs to Ekaterina Lisina. Her left leg is 52.3 inches long, while the right one is 52 inches long, according to a GWR report.
What is the shortest woman ever recorded? ›
Zárate claimed in her lifetime that she was only 50.8 cm (20.0 in), and was exhibited for her small stature. This measurement has since been updated by Guinness World Records, who place her height at 68 cm (26.8 in).
What girl has the longest legs ever? ›Ekaterina Lisina's Early Life
Her father, Viktor Lisina, recalled noticing his daughter's glaringly long legs as soon as she was born. “When we were picking up Ekaterina from the hospital, we noticed straight away that her legs were really long and her body mainly consisted of them,” he said.