Back in the early 1980s, whenever there was going to be a serious attempt at setting a World indoor or outdoor record in the mile (and there were many such attempts back then), the runners would say beforehand, "The record is on!"(or words to that effect). Well, that phrase is appropriate this week, since Alan Webb will run the mile at a meet in Brasschaat, Belgium, on Saturday with an eye on breaking Steve Scott's 25-year old American Record of 3:47.69.

Webb, who is based in nearby Leuven during the European season, will get help from rabbits Youcef Abdi of Australia and Kenya's Samson Surrum(the rest of the field is not yet set). A 1500-meters race was already scheduled for the meet (www.atletiekvlaanderen.be), one of a series of Flanders Cup events held in Belgium, but "the meeting organizer was kind enough to add a mile," according to Ray Flynn, who represents Webb. The race is scheduled for 9 pm local time.

When Scott set his record in Oslo on July 7, 1982, Flynn set the still-standing Irish National Record of 3:49.77. Asked about the timing and the site for Webb's record attempt, Flynn said, "The track appealed to me, being six lanes---reminded me of the old Oslo track. The date was perfect for Alan, 2 weeks after the Golden League 1500m in Paris (where Webb won with a personal best of 3:30.54--roughly worth a 3:47 mile).

Flynn added, "One has to give this record great respect. 3.47.69 is a terrific record. It will take a lot to break it, but Alan is in shape and capable of (doing) it."

Webb has already broken two of Scott's long-standing records this season. Back in April, he ran 3:51.71 for the mile to break Scott's 28-year old Drake Relays record of 3:55.26, then won the U.S. 1500 title in 3:34.82 to snap his meet record of 3:34.92, which was set in 1982.

Mark Floreani will be on hand to shoot video of the race and hopes to have it up on his website soon after (flotrack.com).

Webb's USATF Bio
www.usatf.org/athletes/bios/Webb_Alan.asp