Don Bowden Plaque: A Tribute to American Track History

Commemorating Don Bowden's historic sub-four-minute mile, a milestone in American track and field history at the University of the Pacific in Stockton.

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Don Bowden Plaque

The Don Bowden Plaque commemorates the site where Don Bowden became the first American to break the four-minute mile on June 1, 1957. Located at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, the plaque marks a pivotal moment in American track and field history.

A brief summary to Don Bowden Plaque

3601 Pacific Ave, Stockton, Pacific, California, 95211, US

Local tips

Visit the plaque in conjunction with other attractions on the University of the Pacific campus.
Take a moment to appreciate the historical significance of this site in the world of sports.
Combine your visit with a walk around the scenic University of the Pacific campus.

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Getting There

Walking

The Don Bowden Plaque is located on the campus of the University of the Pacific. From the main entrance at Pacific Avenue, walk east towards the center of campus. The Elbert Covell Dining Hall is located near the center of campus, and the plaque is mounted on its southwestern wall. No costs are associated with accessing the plaque.
Public Transport

San Joaquin Regional Transit District (SJRTD) buses serve the University of the Pacific area. From the Downtown Transit Center, take Route 44 or 49 towards Pacific Avenue. Get off at the stop closest to the University of the Pacific. Walk east into the campus towards the Elbert Covell Dining Hall. The plaque is on the southwestern wall. A single ride fare is $1.25.
Driving

From Interstate 5, take the March Lane exit and head east. Turn left onto Pacific Avenue and proceed to the University of the Pacific. Parking is available on campus, but it may be limited during school hours. Check university parking regulations for visitor parking areas. Parking costs approximately $1-$3 per hour.

Discover more about Don Bowden Plaque

The Don Bowden Plaque stands as a tribute to a remarkable achievement in American sports history. On June 1, 1957, Don Bowden, a University of California at Berkeley trackman, etched his name in the record books by becoming the first American to run a mile in under four minutes. This historic event took place on a clay track at Baxter Stadium, part of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. The plaque is located on the southwestern wall of the Elbert Covell Dining Hall, near the site of the original finish line. The inscription commemorates Bowden's groundbreaking time of 3:58.7 minutes during the Pacific Association Championships. This achievement was particularly notable as it occurred without the aid of a pacesetter. Bowden's accomplishment was a significant milestone, breaking a barrier once thought insurmountable. A 1956 Olympian, Bowden's record stood for nearly three years before being broken by Dyrol Burleson in 1960. Bowden was later inducted into the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2008, cementing his legacy in the sport. Today, the plaque serves as an inspiration to athletes and a reminder of a historic day in American track and field.

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