Sam Ruthe Makes Mile History At The Cooks Classic

Less than a year after becoming the youngest ever athlete to break the 4-minute mark over the mile, Sam Ruthe has now become the fastest ever 16-year-old over the distance.

Ruthe has clocked an astonishing 3:53.36 in Whanganui to lower Cam Myers’ (AUS) previous age-best mark of 3:55.44. Ruthe’s record-breaking run came at the second stop on the 2026 Summer Circuit at the PAK’nSAVE Cooks International Classic.

While Ruthe’s run broke records, the finish line honours and the NZ title belonged to Sam Tanner. Tanner put on a textbook final 100m to claim the victory over his younger training partner. The victory continues Tanner’s winning streak in New Zealand mile championships, notching his fourth straight victory in the event since the championships were reestablished.

Ruthe’s time elevates him to 7th on the New Zealand All-Time-List for the mile overtaking the legendary Sr Peter Snell.

Sam Tanner and Sam Ruthe now head to the United States for a series of indoor races before returning to New Zealand to line up in the season finale, Track Stars, at the New Zealand Track and Field Champs, 7 March 2026, Trusts Arena, Auckland.

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