Somalia’s Bile Runs 1989 Best in 1,500 Meters

PESCARA, Italy — Abdi Bile of Somalia ran the fastest men’s 1,500 meters in the world this year, winning in 3 minutes 31.20 seconds here Wednesday at a Grand Prix track and field meet.

Bile came within two seconds of the world record of 3:29.46, held by Said Aouita of Morocco.

It was the eighth-fastest 1,500 ever.

Wilfred Kirochi of Kenya was second in 3:32.57 and Gennaro Di Napoli of Italy third in 3:32.97. All set national records.

Soviet Sergei Bubka won the pole vault, clearing 18 feet 6 1/2 inches.

Larry Myricks took the men’s long jump at 26-11 3/4, Sydney Maree won the men’s 5,000 meters in 13:24.08, and Tonie Campbell topped the 110-meter hurdles in 13.49 seconds.