Stars' tribute race to Bannister

The cream of British middle-distance talent will lock horns at Balmoral Castle next week to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Roger Bannister’s first-ever sub-four-minute mile.

Fifty years and two days after Bannister achieved his historic feat in Oxford, Britain’s top milers will assemble on Saturday May 8.

Commonwealth 1500 metres champions Michael East and Kelly Holmes will be joined by all their leading rivals.

East will be challenged by John Mayock, Anthony Whiteman and John Mayock.

Holmes tackles Hayley Tullett and Helen Clitheroe – the pair who claimed the silver and bronze medals behind her in the 2002 Commonwealth Games 1500m final.

The overseas competition will come from Kenya’s Laban Rotich and Australian teenager Georgie Clarke.

Event director David Hart said: “I think this will be a marvellous way for today’s current stars to pay tribute to what Sir Roger Bannister achieved 50 years ago.

“Certainly it speaks for itself that every top British miler has interrupted Olympic preparations to come to Balmoral for the races.

“In particular, Kelly Holmes is flying in from South Africa – and it will be great to see her back at the meeting for the third successive year.”