I knew the 2023 M60 400m USATF Masters National Championship race was one of the most competitive in history, but was it THE most competitive?
Gold - Jim L. - 55.96, Silver - Ron H. - 56.77, Bronze -William Yelverton - 57.59
Yes and no.
Yes, in the fact it was the first time in an M60 400m final that 2 runners broke 57 sec (Jim L. and Ron H).
No, in total time of the three runners, due to an incredible performance by Sir Charles Allie in 2010 where he ran 55.37. So, that year was THE fastest M60 400m. Second was Steve Hardison 57.24, and third was Carroll Blake in 57.38.
So, 2023 was technically the second fastest M60 400m final in USATF Masters Nationals history for the medalists. All 7 of us ran under 61 and 4 under 60. As measure of the quality of this field, my third place time would have won gold in 31 of the last 40 Championships. My 57.59 was the second fastest Bronze in an M60 400m final, behind Carroll Blake's 57.38.
Masters track is getting faster.
I do think when Lee B. and Francois B. hit M60, they will bring an even faster level to the age group. We'll see.
M65 is not going to be any easier for me, but with Jim and Ron, we should be able to rewrite the 4x400m world records... hopefully beginning in March with this years indoor championship. Vadim has already called me about doing it.
Ron is now 65, and Jim is just one month younger than me, so I'll have one nationals without him in 2025 and then we'll both be 66 by World Championships in 2026. Both Ron and Jim seem to be on the upswing in their masters career. Ron won the 400 in '22 in just 58.12, so he improved in his M64 yr, really very commendable. (I likely won't even go to Nationals this year at M64). Jim lost his wife recently so he's turning inward and taking it seriously. He has mentioned going after a world record. He sure is built like a 400m guy.
Anyway, it was a helluva race, and I'm lucky to have medaled. Looking up these stats is fun, as I am on vacation right now and have some time on my hands.
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