Stephen Biebelhausen has unofficially broken the world record for the fastest mile run by a male while pushing a stroller. The 30-year-old completed the run in 4 minutes and 17.07 seconds on Aug. 8 in Cleveland, Ohio, with his 1-year-old daughter, Blake, aboard.
Biebelhausen's initial goal was to beat the course record of 4 minutes 44 seconds at the city's Guardian Mile race. However, by the halfway point, he realized he was significantly ahead. "I was like, ‘Oh, man, this is going to be a good day,'" he told The Athletic.
The previous record was 4 minutes 26.29 seconds, set by Silas Frantz last year with his son Otto. Biebelhausen's daughter Blake weighs 18 pounds. While running with a stroller presents unique challenges, such as wind resistance that can act like a sail, Biebelhausen has trained with his daughter regularly.
He noted that his daughter seemed to enjoy the experience, even though the race started about 45 minutes past her usual bedtime. "I was just mostly surprised at my baby, who made it past her bedtime and wasn’t screaming and crying," Biebelhausen told The Athletic. "We were just happy that there was no meltdown city."
Biebelhausen shared that his daughter often expresses excitement for their runs, squealing when they get in the car and when they arrive at their favorite running spots. Her leg kicks are typically reserved for going downhill or at the start of a run when she is particularly excited. He believes she enjoyed the cheers from the crowd during the record-setting mile.
For those interested in running with a stroller, safety guidelines suggest waiting until a baby is at least six months old and can sit upright and hold their head steady. Consulting a pediatrician and using a stroller designed for running are also recommended. Ensuring the safety harness is used and checking that the stroller's brakes, wheel alignment, and locks are secure before running are crucial steps. Alternating hands while running and taking shorter strides to avoid kicking the stroller are also practical tips. Choosing smooth, flat routes can further enhance the experience.