FRYEBURG — Fryeburg native and Bath resident George Dole wondered if the race at the Iffley Road track would be cancelled. High winds threatened to cancel out a moment that has become a part of history.

On May 6, 1954, Dole took the pole position at 6 p.m. in Oxford, England, and exactly 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds later, Roger Bannister accomplished his goal of becoming the first person to break the 4-minute mile. A mere 26 seconds later Dole came in fifth that day.

Dole is former longtime pastor of the Bath Swedenborgian Church, Church of the New Jerusalem.

This Aug. 9, his friends at the Fryeburg New Church Assembly plan on celebrating his achievements by hosting a 3-mile race on the Mountain Division Rail Trail. The race begins at 8 a.m. at the Maine Visitor Center on Route 302 near the state line.

Registration and sponsorship information can be found on the race website, www.dole3miler.com.

On Friday at 8 p.m., Dole will present a free talk about the 1954 race with Roger Bannister at the lecture hall of the Fryeburg New Church Assembly, 84 Main St., Fryeburg, (across the street from the visitor center).

For information, see www.dole3miler.com, email the race director at d3race@gmail.com or call 508-649-5982.