Yared Nuguse Published: Feb 08, 2025 6:52 PM EST.
He ran 3:46.63 in the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York to break the indoor mark of 3:47.01 set by Yomif Kejelcha David Roche Smashes Leadville Course Record.
Nuguse had been sitting second on the all-time list behind Kejelcha since running the American indoor record of 3:47.31 two years ago. Nuguse collects a bonus of $25,000 for breaking the world record.
While Nuguse picked up one world record, he lost an American record today 1500 Amazing Runners World Show in 2024, Nuguse said he has more confidence. He went straight to the front, tucked in behind the pacesetter for the first half, and ran quarter-mile splits of 57.38, 55.91, 56.95, and 56.41 to set the mark.
“I’m not afraid of the front anymore,” he said. “I’m willing to go hurt by myself if I need to.”
Behind him, Hobbs Kessler stuck to Nuguse as closely as he could but never could make it around him. Kessler was second in 3:46.90, also faster than the previous world record.
Nuguse was clearly hurting through the final laps of the race, with the discomfort showing on his usually calm face. “I knew if I let up anywhere, they were going to pass me,” he said of his competitors. “And so I kind of was just like, ‘Don’t let up, not for a second after the pacer falls off.’”
For the outdoor mile, Nuguse has run 3:43.97. He currently stands fourth on the all-time list, behind world record holder Hicham el Guerrouj of Algeria (3:43.13), Noah Ngeny of Kenya (3:43.40), and Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway (3:43.73).
Nuguse’s coach, Dathan Ritzenhein, is proud that at this moment in time, Nuguse is the fastest ever to run a mile indoors. “He’s been this close on the outdoor record, this close on the indoor record multiple times, this close on the on the road record in the mile, all within a second,” Ritzenhein said. “And now he finally got his record, so it’s pretty cool.”
While Nuguse picked up one world record, he lost an American record today. Grant Fisher shattered Nuguse’s American record for 3,000 meters indoors (7:28.23) with his world indoor 3,000 meter record of 7:22.91. Cole Hocker was right behind Fisher, too. But Nuguse is sure he could have been there with those guys.
American male distance runners are picking up right where they left off after Paris, when they took home five medals.
“I think the biggest takeaway is just don’t be afraid to go do it,” Nuguse said of his race today. “I am confident I am that strong.”
While Nuguse picked up one world record, he lost an American record today. Grant Fisher shattered Nuguse’s American record for 3,000 meters indoors (7:28.23) with his world indoor 3,000 meter record of 7:22.91.
Sarah Lorge Butler is a writer and editor living in Eugene, Oregon, and her stories about the sport, its trends, and fascinating individuals have appeared in Runner’s World After winning the bronze medal in the, Run Your Butt Off! and Walk Your Butt Off!
