It is a standardized event in track meets conducted by the NFHS in American high school competition, often being colloquially referred to as "the mile".

Griffith took the record from Alan Webb, who ran for South Lakes High School in Reston, Virginia.

Six weeks later, Webb ran a mile against seasoned international runners at the Prefontaine Classic, including world record holder Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco and the 2000 Summer Olympics' 1500 metres bronze medalist Bernard Lagat.

Furthermore, Katelyn Tuohy ran a 4:32.28 1600m en route to her 2018 outdoor high school mile record of 4:33.87.

[9] Likewise, when converted down to 1600m, Faith Kipyegon ran an equivalent of a 4:06.20 1600m in her 2023 world record mile of 4:07.64.

[9] Likewise, when converted down to 1600m, Genzebe Dibaba ran an equivalent of a 4:11.84 1600m in her 2016 world record mile of 4:13.31.