By Sam Felton
Collared shirts, khakis and Nike running shoes were the presumed dress code as track fans made their way to meet a unique group of speed demons known for sprinting their way through Hayward Field and into the record books.
“They act like a group of brothers, poking fun and picking on each other,” Christy San Romani said. “Getting this group together was a great idea and an awesome way to give back to Eugene community.”
Romani, wife of sub four minute miler and Oregon Duck Archie San Romani, was among the large crowd gathered at the John E. Jaqua Academic Center on Friday night to welcome back nine of Oregon’s sub-4 minute milers under the legendary coach Bill Bowerman.
The inaugural “Sub 4 Reunion” was filled with the laughter as friends and teammates reconvened, sharing stories of their careers and how they ran 5,280 feet in under four minutes. Hosted by 4-minute milers Andrew Wheating and Tom Farrell, each of the nine runners shared memories from their historic races.
Stuart Gregory, a Eugene native, was overjoyed with simply being in the same vicinity as these Oregon legends.
“These guys were incredible, best in the world,” Gregory said. “I loved the story about Forman’s hill. I’m sure there are tons of Oregon runners that hate him for it.”
Gregory is referring to the demanding hill terrain that sub-4 miler Keith Forman stumbled upon during his career at Oregon. This trail has become an essential part to the rigorous training that Oregon runners have become accustomed to.
Whether it was the awkwardly entertaining microphone malfunctions or Dave Wilborn poking fun at Farrell about his slower mile time, this event provided happy faces all around.
Todd Bosworth, an Oregon Track Club board member and organizer of the event, revealed the limited edition Hop Valley Sub-4 ale that guests were able to enjoy. With only 3.59 percent alcohol, even the beer was sub-4.
