The 30-year-old race record remained well and safe on Queen Street today - as the Golden Mile returned to Auckland.
Australian runner Ryan Gregson ran the fastest time - but he was 20 seconds off Kenyan Mike Boit's 1983 time.
But these are small steps for running great John Walker - who has reintroduced the once famous downhill dash.
No big names - although the Walker name was behind men's winner Ryan Gregson entering.
"My coach is best mates with John Walker, so I was really looking forward to coming over," Gregson says.
Melbourne-based Dutch runner Susan Keikjens won the long sprint home to claim the women's race.
"I misjudged it, but I still ran a fast time. And even though it was downhill, I'll take it as a personal best."
Retired triathlete Hamish Carter easily outran the likes of Mahe Drysdale in the clash of the codes race.
However a dodgy hamstring was blamed for former world record holder Dick Quax finishing off the pace, in what turned out to be his last ever race.
"I've never retired, so maybe on TV3 tonight is a good time say that I've retired from international athletics."
But his son Theo is ready to grab the mantle - finishing third.
3 News
source: newshub archive
