Kenneth Spencer Research Library

In honor of National Running Day on June 3^rd, we’re highlighting our collection of one of KU’s most talented and famous milers, Jim Ryun. Starting his career at Wichita East High School, where he became the first high school student to run a mile in under four minutes, Ryun continued to break records at the University of Kansas. Not only did he set a new world record while running for KU in 1966 with a 3:51.3 minute mile, but he also won a silver medal at the Mexico City Olympic Games in 1968. To learn more about Ryun’s extraordinary life and running career, check out “Ryun’s Run” by KU History’s Mark D. Hersey.

Ryun running at Wichita East High School, where he became the first high school student to run a mile in under four minutes. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/19 Ryun, Jim Prints: Athletics: Track and Field (Photos). Click image to enlarge.

A portion of an article from KU’s Alumni Magazine reporting on Ryun’s mile time that broke the world record in 1966. University Archives. Call Number: Biographical/Morgue File Jim Ryun. Click image to enlarge.

This document, created by Jay Simon, the Sports Information Director at KU in 1967, lists Ryun’s mile times that were under four minutes. University Archives. Call Number: Biographical/Morgue File Jim Ryun. Click image to enlarge.

Ryun in his KU track uniform with the Campanile in the background, circa 1967. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/19 Ryun, Jim Prints: Athletics: Track and Field (Photos). Click image to enlarge.

Ryun signing autographs at the 1969 Kansas Relays. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/19 Ryun, Jim Prints: Athletics: Track and Field (Photos). Click image to enlarge.

Ryun running in the Kansas Relays in 1987. University Archives Photos. Call Number: RG 66/19 Ryun, Jim Prints: Athletics: Track and Field (Photos). Click image to enlarge.

Mindy Babarskis
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