Sam Ruthe is now seventh on the list of all-time New Zealand milers, having overtaken the legendary Sir Peter Snell. Photo: Getty ImagesRunning sensation Sam Ruthe has become the fastest 16-year-old to ever run the mile, achieving the feat at the Cooks Classic in Whanganui. Tanner, 25, defended his national men's senior mile title, surging past Ruthe in the home straight to win in 3min 53.36sec. It came a week after Ruthe pipped Tanner in an exciting 800m race at the Potts Classic in Hastings. Ireland's Laura Nicholson ran a smart time of 4min 43.75sec to win the women's mile.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 25, 2026 00:50 UTC