Sir Roger Bannister starts Oxford relays

11 March 2009

Sporting legend Sir Roger Bannister is starting the annual Teddy Hall Relays at Oxford University today, just days before he celebrates his 80th birthday on 23 March.

The Teddy Hall Relays are race five in the National University Relays Series. The start and finish is based at the Iffley Road athletics track, famous as the location where Oxford alumnus Sir Roger first broke the four-minute mile.

The event, organised by the Oxford University Cross Country Club, is a key part of the University of Oxford's sporting calendar and is an example of the sporting energy that the University aims to generate in the run up to London 2012. Sir Roger will also be a guest of the University at The Boat Race on 29 March when five Olympians will feature in this year's crew.

The day traditionally sees over 700 entrants from across the University and college network, as well as a number of external clubs and teams. Teams comprise up to four runners, with each runner completing the 3.2mile circuit around the City.

Sir Roger Bannister said: 'The Teddy Hall Relays has been a feature of the University's sporting life for over 40 years, attracting an impressive range of runners from across Oxford and the UK. It highlights what an important role sport plays, especially as we look forward to the London 2012 Olympics. I am delighted to have been invited back to Iffley Road and look forward to starting the race.'

Sir Roger set his goal of becoming the first man to run a mile in under four minutes after coming fourth in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. The historic event took place on 6 May 1954 during a meet between British AAA and Oxford University at the Iffley Road Track. He completed the race in 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds.

Jon Roycroft, Director of Sport, said 'Sir Roger has been a great friend to Oxford Sport and we are delighted to welcome him back to the scene of his great sporting triumph. As part of the University's global fundraising Campaign, we have major plans to redevelop the facilities at Iffley Road enabling future generations of students to achieve their own sporting ambitions.'

The relays will be followed by a post-race tea at St Edmund's (Teddy) Hall where Sir Roger will make the presentations.

For more information contact the University of Oxford Press Office on 01865 270046 or press.office@admin.ox.ac.uk.