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https://www.wsj.com/articles/super-spikes-four-minute-miles-11658107647

EUGENE, Ore.—The number of elite finishing times in races from the 800 to the 10,000 meters has surged recently, coinciding with a revolution in the design and materials of racing-spike shoes, according to an analysis of global race results. 

One of the most startling findings was a bumper crop of four-minute miles. In 2016, 35 men competing in NCAA indoor meets ran the mile in less than four minutes, a total that changed only slightly for several years. In 2022, when the new spikes became available to all, 90 men ran sub-four-minute miles, a nearly 160% increase.

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This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.