Another World feat for Britain . At last , the elusive four - minute mile has been accomplished . It came about during the contest between Oxford University and the AAA , when Britain ' s famed miler , Roger Bannister , set up a world record of 3 mins . 59 . 4 secs . on the Iffley Road track . This picture shows Bannister ( left ) congratulated by one of the pace - makers , Chris Chataway . 6 May 1954