The Millrose Games is a historic event and even moved outside of Madison Square Garden the meet has retained some magic (probably because it's at a fast track now that people besides high school boys like me dream of racing at). The meet is stacked so far so here's my 7 things I'm looking forward to as a guide for you kids out there looking to get a scoop.
1. The Mile is absurdly stacked. Like absurdly. Imagine all the people who have been relevant in the US mile/1500m scene and you pretty much have the field. There is a full preview of that event worth checking out a few below this one at this link: http://www.therealtrain.blogspot.com/2015/02/wannamake-mile-history.html?m=1.
2. The women's mile is also pretty stacked and features a possible American record attempt from Shannon Rowbury. She already ran 4:21 this year and has been absolutely flammable during the past six months or so after breaking 4 flat, 15 flat and 8:30 in the same season. She has drawn Mary Cain and Treniere Moser (her NOP training partners) and the crew could give us a fun battle. Moser is running excellent (solid runs at 8 and 1k last two weeks) while Cain is slipping a bit relative to the high expectations people have set for her.
I'll be watching (and rooting) for Cain to pull something out. I have to imagine Mary is having a tough time starting college and then flying back and forth between Portland and the east coast for three weekends in a row so she can attend class (which is my understanding of what's happening). That's brutal. The good news: the mile is much more in her comfort zone than the faster events and she could certainly pop a low 4:20s time.
Worth noting is Nicole Tully. She split under 4:30 in a tough battle with World Bronze medalist Brenda Martinez in a world record chase for the DMR. She came up a little short, getting hawked down on the home stretch, but she will have home town support and something to prove this weekend.
3. How bout this for a 1k field. The bronze medalist in the 2012 Olympic 1500m and seasoned indoor runner (world champ) Abdelaati Iguider heads up to New York to battle a field of top Americans. Among the racers will be Erik Sowinski, 800m leg of the world record DMR, the top US finisher a year ago. Also in the race, making an indoor debut, is Duane Soloman, the back to back 800m US champ and 1:42 man.
Both men are really stretching their ability at 1k as they are both more suited for the 6 than the k (both briefly held the American Record in the event), but it should be fun to see them chase times.
Also worth noting, D2 runner Drew Windle will represent his division in this event. And (I'm afraid to even say it), Robby Andrews is in the race. He's had a rough patch after his magnificent college career that included a 1:44. He's been close to the AR in this race in the past so ... Goodness I don't want to jinx him.
Screw it, go Robby! Get the gold!
4. The 3k at millrose is going to be awesome for anyone who likes NCAA running. And guess what, I do. There are 4 men from the U of O competing including Eric Jenkins (13:15ish 5k PB), Jake Leingang, grad student Will Geoghegan (3:58 Ivy League record last year) and Parker Stinson (10k and 5k all American). Wow that's awesome. I'm predicting a big breakthrough for Geoghegan who I believe has indoor and outdoor eligibility remaining.
Also on the line will be John Simons, Andy Bayer, Thomas Awad, and Martin Hehir who have each had special moments as collegians. Bayer, now a Pro, may be the favorite here. He's won a NCAA title at 15 and has been top 5 in the US championships. He's a tentative pick for me to win.
Small claim to fame moment, Dave Chorney, Muhlenberg College grad, is penciled in for the race (possibly the rabbit) as is PA alumn Alfredo Santana (LaSalle grad as well) so shout out to them.
5. How bout this for a 5k? Cam Levins takes center stage after he ran 3:54/8:15ish for the one and two mile about 30 minutes apart. With Rupp shutting things down (Levins smoked a fresh Rupp over the final lap at the Armory two weeks ago) Cam is the poster child for the NOP briefly. He's in monster shape and low 13s is in play.
He will do battle with some of the US's best 5k men including former American Record holder for the indoor event Lopez Lomong. Lomong is joined by training partners Ryan Hill, Matt Tegenkamp, Dan Huling, Andrew Bumbalough, and German Fernandez.
Keep an eye on former NCAA champ Sam Chelenga, who have Rupp a run for his money in the 5k a year ago. Also looking forward to seeing Don Cabral compete in the event.
6. Sam Ritz tries to bring the Millrose title back to PA after a loooong drought (2007 I think). Meanwhile there will be three PA girls in the race as well with the potential to win. It's loaded.
7. Drake just dropped a 17 song mixtape. I'm looking forward to that. And Steph Curry during all star weekend doing Steph Curry things? Like shooting? Is this the best 3 point shooting competition ever? Goodness gracious happy valentines day to me.
Yeah I know it already make that joke but I mean look at all the gifts I've been given! It's going to be a great day.
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