The achievement came while Sir Roger was a student

They will meet at Oxford University's Iffley Road sports ground on 6 May, where the original event took place on the same date in 1954.

Sir Roger, now 74 and a research scientist, will attend, along with other famous middle-distance runners.

He said: "I hope that this serves as an inspiration."

Further wins

Sir Roger later beat his time of three minutes 59�4 seconds, by running the mile in three minutes 58 seconds in that year's Empire Games.

His victory over Australia's John Landy in Vancouver, Canada, is remembered by many as the "mile of the century".

During the 50th anniversary celebration, Oxford University athletes past and present will take on members the Amateur Athletic Association.

The afternoon will culminate in an Elite Mile, organised by the British Milers' Club, which will start at 1800 - the same time as the original run.

It seems incredible today that the world record could be set by an amateur athlete Sir Roger Bannister

Among those joining Sir Roger will be several of his pacemakers from 1954.

Sir Roger, knighted in 1975, said: "It may seem incredible today that the world record at this classic distance could be set by an amateur athlete, in bad weather, on a university running track.

"This is why I hope that this serves as an inspiration to sportsmen and women everywhere to keep striving to achieve their best through personal effort alone."

Sir Roger will present the first Bannister Medal, to a student from the university who has achieved the highest standards in both their studies and chosen sport.

He himself qualified as a doctor a month after breaking the four-minute barrier.