Teen Sets New Fastest Mile Record For Runner Under-18

Sam Ruthe set a new New Zealand record for any age.

A 16-year-old runner from New Zealand set a new record over the weekend.

Sam Ruthe crossed the finish line in 3:48.88 at the John Thomas Terrier Classic in Boston on Saturday.

While approaching his final lap, Ruthe was in second place before he sped up in the final 100 meters surging ahead to finish 1.43 seconds quicker than second placer Belgian Peter Sisk.

The victory gained Ruthe a new record for the fastest mile run by an under-18 athlete. He also set a new New Zealand record for any age.

Ruthe gained attention of the athletics world last March, when he became the youngest athlete on record to run a sub-four-minute mile, clocking 3:58.35 in Auckland.