World Records | smithsonianmag.comhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/tag/world-records/RSS feed for World RecordsenMon, 20 Jul 2026 18:04:14 +0000For the First Time in 27 Years, a Man Set a New World Record for Fastest Mile. People Have Chased the Goal for Centurieshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/for-the-first-time-in-27-years-a-man-set-a-new-world-record-for-fastest-mile-people-have-chased-the-goal-for-centuries-180989154/British runners in particular have long tried to cross the finish line in less than 4 minutes, records show, sometimes running in the nude or trying to win a betMon, 20 Jul 2026 18:04:14 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/for-the-first-time-in-27-years-a-man-set-a-new-world-record-for-fastest-mile-people-have-chased-the-goal-for-centuries-180989154/