Mark Thompson (First sub 4 at age 30) Brasschaat

Congrats to you, to your lovely wife, Darci and to entire OC peopple,especially cross-country and track team who love you!

(it is 6a.m here in Mito Japan) For some reason, right before I watched your mile video, I read Phili 2:16 from New Century Version) says " You offer the teaching that gives life. So when christ comes again, I can be happy because my work was not wasted. I ran the race and won"
I don't have to say that much because the verse says it all but you teach your athletes life time lesson by enduring to go sub 4 minute mile and you did win the earthly race at age 30 with 170pounds! I Praise God for your old but healthy body!
When I was coaching/helping out with OC Cross-Country with you in 2008, I learned so much from you spiritually and understanding the runners as individuals first and second as runners!
Thank you and congrats again!
from the one and only Ethiopian you know personally (AT)

Congratulations Mark!

Mark,
You should hang in there until you are at least 40 and break the Master's Record for the mile!

I'm curious to know what the story with Mark's college career was. He was a sub 4:10 miler in HS and didn't have a lot of success at Arkansas. The very fact that he is still racing is impressive, but PRing? Amazing.

Congrats from a former competitor.

Wow sounds like a really nice and humble guy. It's great to see someone like this guy achieve something as incredible as a sub 4 minute mile. This goes to show that hard work really does pay off. Good luck with whatever else you endeavor to do with your life.

Awesome, including the 170+ part :) . I wonder what his 1500 best is?

Way to go Mark. Looking forward to seeing you next month.

great job that is inspiring!

Congratulations, Mark! What incredible dedication and outstanding accomplishment!

..from a proud brother as well!

Congratulations Mark from an equally proud coach. You had a number of opportunities to give your quest up, and you didn't. Your persistence and racing experience really came through. Congrats also to your very supportive family and OC community, your wonderful spouse, Darci, and training partner, Sam Dech, who are all a part of this great achievement! I guess this is "a PR that we will just have to take"!

Congratulations from a very proud dad.