Video by Cole Nissley-SU Track and Field

They say that records are meant to be broken. If someone wants to break the incredible record that Shippensburg University Cross Country coach and former Olympian Steve Spence has set however, they might want to just forget about it.

On May 11, Spence extended his streak of running a mile in under five minutes every year by crossing the finish line with a time of 4:54.0, pushing the feat to an unbelievable 41 years. The unique streak is thought to be the longest of its type in the United States.

“I ran a sub-five minute mile as a 14-year-old ninth grader in the fall of 1976,” Spence said. “I remained competitive in the sport and unknowingly continued the streak. In 2008, my daughter Neely pointed out that I had not run a sub-five minute mile during the Winter, Spring or Summer of that year. We looked back at my training and racing and realized that I had in fact run under the five minute mark every year since 1976.”

The sub-five minute mile has become something that has been a unique part of the team’s preseason college camp with the support of the team members.

“It proved to be very entertaining for our team and it has become a tradition,” Spence said.

With any good record, adversity and challenges come along for the ride.

The streak is something that has become much more difficult for Spence as of late. In 2015, injuries and setbacks hurt Spence in his attempt to extend the streak to its 40th year. It did not happen until December 14, but eventually Spence crossed that finish line with a time good enough to continue the streak, thanks to the help of physiotherapist Phil Wharton.

“2015 was a particularly tough year,” Spence said. “I felt that I was ready to run a sub five minute mile at several points during the year, but then I would get injured before I could make an attempt. Finally, with the help of Phil, I was able to knock it off on December 14. Fortunately, I was able to make a successful attempt on May 11, 2016.”

“I’ve found it more difficult to stay healthy enough to survive the training necessary to run under five minutes,” Spence added. “Fortunately, I’ve recently reconnected with the world renowned physiotherapist, Phil Wharton, who is helping with my strength and flexibility. I’m now physically healthier than I’ve been in 10 years. Phil is also serving as a volunteer coach for our cross country teams.”

Spence ran in the 1991 World Championships, securing a bronze medal in the marathon. Spence went on to compete in the 1992 Olympics, finishing 12th in the marathon in Barcelona, Spain.

“There are many who run in the Olympic marathon and that was a special moment for me, my family and my support team, but the sub-five minute mile streak is considered the longest of its kind according to Runner’s World. I really can’t compare them,” Spence said.

Upon crossing the finish line Spence added that he believes that the streak is just another chapter in the career of a runner. However, the streak is much more than that. The streak is something that may be unbreakable, right up there with Joe DiMaggio’s record of hitting in 56 straight games in baseball and Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 100 points in an NBA game.

Spence noted that the streak and his daughter Neely Spence Gracey’s success have been something really special for him. Spence Gracey recently competed in the 2016 Boston Marathon and finished ninth among women competing in marathon. Spence Gracey was the first American woman to cross the finish line in the 2016 Boston Marathon.

“Neely’s success and the sub-five minute streak and the success of our cross country teams at Shippensburg University have kept me relevant in the running world,” Spence said. “Being relevant in a positive light definitely helps recruiting and helps [track-and-field] coach Osanitsch and I add to the legacy of our cross country and track programs.”

For Spence, the streak is something that he takes great pride in, and he hopes to inspire others with it.

“It makes me feel old,” Spence said laughing. “I really feel blessed to be able to have my health. I stress healthy diet and clean living to my athletes and I hope that my longevity is an inspiration to others to take care of their bodies and minds.

For Spence, the streak may be something that he might pass on to his daughter. Spence Gracey has had a lot of success in her running career and may compete to break her father’s mark.

“I never thought of that. Neely has run a sub-five minute mile every year since 2006. I need to let her know she is only 30 years behind me,” he said chuckling.

Spence wanted to thank his wife of 26 years, Kirsten Harteis, for being instrumental in helping him make lifestyle changes that were essential to Spence becoming a professional runner. Spence credits her with helping him change his attitude on the idea that making healthy choices will better fuel his body and allow him to train harder and recover faster. He also noted that she encouraged him to be a faster runner.

With 41 years in the books, 2017 is going to be a tough challenge. Accomplishing the streak early in 2016 should give Spence plenty of rest to make a successful attempt after the changing of the calendar year.

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