Jeff Benjamin watched the mile race at the ASICS Sound Running Invite on February 14, 2026. Cole Hocker sets the AR of the mile indoors, the number 2 time EVER with his 3:45.94. Senior writer Benjamin, the Mayor of Staten Island Running opined on the mile, Mr. Hocker and where Cole can take the record in the mile.
Seven decades later Cole Hocker follows the script of another Mile Legend!
By Jeff Benjamin
“I didn’t want to come out here and run another 3:48!” -Cole HockerWelcome to the 21st century of miling!
Before a packed house at the newly-minted fan-friendly JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Cole Hocker put on a majestic show of running, clocking consistent 28 second 200’s in aggressive front running and then 27 seconds for his last two 200s in clocking the 2nd fastest indoor mile of all-time, 3 minutes, 45.94 seconds!
For historical mile fans, the performance harkens back to the performances of John Landy of Australia who over 7 (!) decades ago used front running his opponents in becoming the 2nd man to ever break 4-minutes for the mile right after Roger Bannister.
“My goal was always to run my competitors into the ground as quick as possible,” Landy once said.
And Hocker surely looked to be following that strategy!
The electrical performance at the ASICS Sound Running Invite by the Olympic Champion begets a question of just how much faster can Hocker go?
The answer to that question could be answered in two weeks as Hocker told Will Lear on Runnerspace that he’s looking forward to be competing at (of all places!) Staten Island’s vaunted and fast Ocean Breeze T&F facility at the upcoming USATF Indoor Championships (February 28-March 1, 2026)!
Stay tuned!!
Outstanding Track and Field Journalism, it is a joy to read and see the passion that Jeff Bejamin shares in his narration of our great sport and running in general. As a former runner it has rekindled my own interest in the advancement seen.
Tony, this is Larry Eder, Jeff’s editor! Thanks again! I have the RW book on Montreal with you on the cover, and a photo of you and Craig Virgin in an ice bucket standing after the very hot and humid NCAA! I would love to interview you, at your convenience! I would do it via Zoom. My email is [email protected]. Have a great day!