History was made in 2023 with the performances of Nikki Hiltz and Sam Prakel being officially ratified by World Athletics as inaugural world records in the road mile.
Nikki Hiltz set a course record in the Women's US Road Mile Championships with a time of 4:27.97.
Sam Prakel secured the top spot with a time of 4:01.21 and claimed his second Men's US Road Mile Championship.
In celebration of the historical significance of these achievements and the pride they bring to the City of Des Moines, an honorary street naming was approved by the Des Moines City Council in September 2023. The honorary naming of 13th Street as "World Record Way" between Grand Avenue and Locust Street will serve to celebrate the proud legacy of the Grand Blue Mile and cement Downtown Des Moines as the place where history was - and will continue to be - made. This segment of 13th Street is just beyond the finish line of the Grand Blue Mile and is where thousands of community runners and walkers complete their very own one mile.
