The Miracle Mile Lives On

Posted by Tom Locke on August 4th, 2017 filed in History, Life, Sports ... All Sorts

Monday August 7th marks the 63rd anniversary of the Miracle Mile,  the most memorable event of the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in Vancouver, B.C.

It featured England’s Roger Bannister and Australian John Landy who became the first two runners ever to break the four minute mile in the same race.

Many of you are probably aware of this, especially if you have hung out with me these past 30+ years here in Vancouver.

However, did you know that this race is also connected to a 50th anniversary this year? That anniversary relates to the September 1967 unveiling of a bronze statue of the Miracle Mile at Hastings Park in Vancouver.

Statue Unveiling

In addition, the following commemorative medallion was handed out at the “Statue Dinner” on September 26, 1967.

MM Birk's Box

Amazingly, Charlie Warner (now 88), the photographer of the famous Miracle Mile shot, was not aware of the existence of this medallion.

You can imagine his reaction when he received one thanks to a colleague of mine who came across one while attending to her late father’s affairs.

Here’s Charlie with the medallion in front of his replica of that bronze statue from 1967 and his award-winning photograph from 1954.

Charlie & 1967 Commemorative Medal


2 Responses to “The Miracle Mile Lives On”

  1. Jo Anne De Wilde Says:
    April 6th, 2022 at 11:13 am

    I have one of the bronze/brass medal in a blue Birk’s box with the two runners on the front. I think it is glued in so I can not tell you what is on the reverse side.
    I am curious if it has monetary value if so how much and if I decide to sell it…do you know where I would be able to make a reliable sale. Many of my family have moved to British Columbia but none have ever mentioned this historical race.
    I would like to thank you very much for your very kind reply.
    Most sincerely, Jo Anne De Wilde

  2. Tom Locke Says:
    April 6th, 2022 at 12:10 pm

    Hi Joanne,

    This bronze/brass commemorative metal is not that rare. I do not think there is any great monetary value here (less than $50. Passing it down to family members with the story behind it is probably best. However, you can try your luck selling it on eBay or Amazon. Sorry that I can’t be of more help.

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