On Saturday 1st February 2025, Joe Rogers immortalised himself in the 102 year history of Halesowen Athletics Club by running the club’s first ever sub-four minute mile.
Joe returned to a favourite track at Boston University, where he set club records in 2023 and 2024, and went into the race keen to improve on his PB of 4:01.72 and finally break the four minute barrier.
At the John Terrier Classic stacked with fast American collegiate athletes, Joe finished second in his heat clocking a time of 3:59.64.
And with the meeting set up to record 1500 metres split times, Joe also set a new club 1500m record of 3:42.93.
SPLIT TIMES
The lap split times were as follows:
209m – 30.18
409m – 1:00.33 (30.16)
609m – 1:30.77 (30.44)
809m – 2:01.16 (30.39)
1009m – 2:31.21 (30.06)
1209m – 3:00.96 (29.75)
1409m – 3:29.89 (28.93: FASTEST LAP)
1500m – 3:42.93 (NEW HALESOWEN CLUB RECORD!)
1609m – 3:59.64 (29.75)
RACE VIDEO
With thanks to Tyler Bilyard, here’s video of the closing moments of Joe’s race …
Here’s Joe’s thoughts on the race, what’s coming up in the months ahead and the support he has got from Halesowen A&CC.
JOE ON … THE RACE
The race was actually a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.
I felt confident I could run sub-four when travelling out to Boston and it was well paced through 800m in 2:00.
Coming through 1k in 2:31 though my legs really started to tire and from that point it was a real slog, pushing through and banking on not falling apart in the last 200.
In terms of fatigue, I think that was my toughest ever race.
I wouldn’t say I did it ‘comfortably’ by any means.
JOE ON … GOING SUB-FOUR
The sub four minute barrier means a lot to me and I know it still resonates with a lot of people in the running community.
Our club is one rich in history and this feels like a significant landmark that I’ll still be able to look back fondly upon when I’m in my own veteran years.
I know a lot of people I’ve spoke to at the club told me point blank that they wanted me to do it, so there was also a sense of relief in not letting people down.
JOE ON … THE SEASON AHEAD
There’s still a few weeks left of an exciting indoor season.
I’ll be racing an 800 against a strong international field in London next Wednesday (12th) before sharpening up with a 600m at the Keely Classic in Birmingham on the 15th.
Then it’s the British Championships where I’ll have to decide to compete in the 800 or 1500.
After that it’ll be back into training for a few more months before hopefully competing in a few more races on the European circuit this summer.
I know there’s already a few races in Belgium and Italy pencilled in.
JOE ON … HALESOWEN ATHLETICS CLUB
I wanted to send a message to the whole Halesowen A&CC community that their support really has not gone unappreciated.
I’ve had so many messages from people and it’s such a nice reminder of what our club’s about; it’s such a supportive, friendly network.
It was a privilege to break the barrier competing for the club and wearing club colours.
I’d also add that I bet my first club coach Tony Bill would be surprised by my performance!
I never quite figured out why he nicknamed me ‘Wheelbarrow’ but I don’t think it was intended as a compliment!
Quite a long way travelled since my first UKYDL in 2013.
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