From Mensracing.com, by Alison Wade
In 1999, elite runners John Mortimer, Andy Downin and Matt Downin decided that their New Year's party wouldn't be complete without a race. When none could be found nearby in New Hampshire, they made their own, the Millennium Mile, and opened it to the public. Beginning at Londonderry High School, Mortimer's former high school, the course careens downhill to finish near Mack's Apples, where the awards are presented. The first running was won by Scott Anderson (3:51) and Amy Lyman (4:32) and it was too good to do just once.
Over the last four years, the race has grown. The 2003 running (to be held December 28, 2003 at 2:00 p.m.) will be part of the 2004 New Hampshire Grand Prix, the first time that series has included a race shorter than 5k. For the second year in a row, proceeds from the race will go toward the Millennium Mile Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to one male and one female high school student from New Hampshire or Massachusetts who plans to continue running competitively in college. As always, the $2 entry fee for kids ages 12 and under will bring a large measure of unrestrained enthusiasm to the starting line.
All three race founders plan to run in this year's edition of the race, with Andy Downin and John Mortimer expected to be among the leading contenders. After finishing as the top American at the ING New York City Marathon in November, Matt Downin plans to take it easy this time out. Also expected to compete for the title are defending champion Mike DiGennaro, former American University 1,500m All-American Sean O'Brien, the BAA's Tyler McCabe, Boston College's Shawn Wallace and the Nike Farm Team's Nick McFalls. A win here would mark a strong start to a year in which many of these athletes will be shooting for spots in the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, with hopes of qualifying for the Athens Olympic Games.
On the women's side, 2002 champion Katie McGregor will not be return to defend her title, and her course record of 4:27 is unlikely to be threatened. The top competitors are expected to be two-time Millennium Mile Champion Kara Haas, Boston College All-American Jennifer Kramer, and Maribel Sanchez-Souther, a former Dartmouth All-American who now coaches at her alma mater. Pre-registration numbers indicate that this year's race will be the largest yet.
After the race, it is a good idea to stick around for the awards ceremony. Mortimer, Downin and Downin get prizes from their many sponsors in place of plastic trophies, and when the awards are done the leftovers are distributed to anyone they can find. The post-race party, held down the road at Whippersnappers, is a highlight of the event for those who regard the company as important as the running at any race.
For more information, visit the race web site at http://www.millenniummile.com.
