The latest craze: Swim Fin Mile World Record

Derek Veilleux

The latest craze: Swim Fin Mile World Record

Brunswick teen "breaks" existing Guinness Book of World Records mark by over 2 minutes

 

According the the Guinness World Records website the fastest ever mile run in swim fins for a male is 7:56, set by Ashrita Furman back on May 17, 2010. Former Brunswick High school track athlete Zach Miller took his attempt at the world record on July 1st at the Brunswick High School track. Miller completed the 4 laps in a new "record", of course pending the Guinness World Record authentication process, in 5:48. The effort was 2:08 faster than Furman's record.

Zach who mainly competed in the 800m for the Dragons in high school has a personal best of 2:07.56 for 800m, and according to our Milesplit database a best of 5:03.5 for the mile (indoors).

So why did Zach choose the "Swim Fin" record?  "Well last year during the fall, I was browsing the Guinness Book website and happened across the "speed" category", Miller said.  Good things happen to those who are patient is the old mantra,  "I didn't get a chance to attempt the record because of the winter then outdoor track" Zach commented on why it took so long for him to attempt the record.

It was a process for Miller before he made his "record" attempt. "I started last fall just to see if I could run in them, then I attempted a time trial."  After that he says "I only ran twice more in the fins this spring, once as a trainng run and then another time trial." According the Miller his first attempted yielded a 6:17, which was well below the current record, his final time trial effort was done in his neighborhood, and was a bit faster this time 6:10.

What's the secret to runner fast in swim fins? "I think I just had to lift my feet a little higher. Once I got going it wasn't too bad. It's actually a lot harder to walk in them than run in them", said Miller.

Will this be the only Guinness Book Record Zach will attempt or will there be others? "It's crossed my mind, but I think I'm content with this one for a while. I'm happy just to say I broke one record; and most of the others that I feel could be within my reach are just silly (as if this one wasn't). It's a lot of fun, but I feel like one silly record is enough."

Will Miller's "record" be chased this summer by other Mainers or will Miller attempt to lower his own time? "I have heard that too. I don't plan to try again though. I'm hoping that even if (when) someone else breaks it I'll have had my attempt verified just so I can say it was official."

Rumor has it Class A indoor/outdoor mile/1600m state champion Jonathan Stanhope is going to take a shot at it next, in a training attempt this week.

 

 

Stay tuned as MainetrackXC will try to bring you coverage of any new attempts throughout the summer.

 

 

 

 

Other Media Coverage

A flippered-feet feat: Brunswick teen stomps world record by running fastest mile in swim fins (BDN)