DES MOINES, Iowa -- History is in the making as the performances by Nikki Hiltz and Sam Prakel at the 2023 Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, are in the process of official ratification by World Athletics as the first-ever world records in the road mile. The event, held annually in the heart of Downtown Des Moines, has carved its name in history as the epicenter of these remarkable records.
The road mile became an official world record discipline as of September 1. As announced after the World Athletics Council Meeting in November 2022, the fastest recorded record-eligible performances for the event between January 1 and September 1, 2023, will be recognized as the world records.