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2016 HOKA ONE ONE Long Island Mile Set For August 31Published by
2016 HOKA ONE ONE Long Island Mile Set For August 31 Mark your calendars! The Hoka One One Long Island Mile will be bringing professional track and field back to Long Island on Wednesday, August 31st, 2016. In its debut, last year’s event saw 150 community athletes blazing the track, 7 men eclipse the 4-minute mile barrier, and 3 professional women battle down the home stretch in a photo finish. The sport was on display at every level, with first time milers and kids “fun-runners” racing just minutes before the elite men’s and women’s heats, which were loaded with All-Americans, international competitors, and world record holders.
Once again, the event will take place under the lights on the fastest track on Long Island, at St Anthony’s High School in Huntington Station, NY. With over three thousand fans in attendance last year, the enthusiasm for year two is already brewing. Race directors expect to see an increase in both participation and spectators after the success of the inaugural event.
‘I think the toughest part of creating an event is getting the word out and convincing people to buy in. Last year, we were able to do that, but now we’ve got some great momentum to build on. All you have to do is watch the race video, or see a couple pictures to see how much fun last year was. How could an athlete or fan see that and not want to come back?’ said co-meet director Kyle Merber.
The event was dreamed up by Merber and co-director Brendan Barrett, during shifts at Sayville Running Company, a running store owned by Barrett where Merber worked during college. After years of theoretical discussion of how to help increase the exposure and opportunity for track and field on Long Island, some of their ideas were able to come to fruition when Kyle signed a professional contract with shoe company Hoka One One, giving them the resources to bring their plans to life.
After last year’s success, the sequel was an easy commitment for the meet’s title sponsor. “HOKA ONE ONE is proud to continue our support of The Long Island Mile. Kyle and Brendan put together an energetic meet last year and we are excited to see how the event develops and evolves in its second iteration,” said Lee Cox, Director of Global Marketing for HOKA ONE ONE.
Their vision culminated in victories last year for Hoka One One athlete David Torrence, who took home the men’s race in an incredible 3:53 mile, as well as for Brooks’ Amanda Eccleston, who closed swiftly to break the tape in 4:29. Kyle himself got to race in front of hometown friends and family, placing 3rd in the men’s race in 3:58.
“There was an electricity to the event last year. People were talking about it when they came into the shop for weeks afterwards. The pro’s were so accommodating and encouraging and I think the local community really rallied around that. Plus, it didn’t hurt that they ran such fast races.”
Once again, RunnerSpace will be on hand for race coverage and to live stream the event for those not able to attend. They will be resuming their collaboration with Just-In-Time-Racing, who will be in charge of timing and scoring.
Athletes of all ability levels and ages are encouraged to sign up, and can register online at LongIslandMile.com or in person at Sayville Running Company (49 Main St. Sayville) or Smithtown Running Company (91 E Main St. Smithtown).
SignUp: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/HuntingtonStation/HokaOneOneLongIslandMile
Twitter: @HokaLIMile Facebook: Facebook.com/HokaOneOneLongIslandMile Contact/Email: For Registration/Sponsorship: [email protected] For Elite Athletes: [email protected] Sayville Running Company: 631-589-5700 Tickets: https://sayvillerunning.com/item/210807/ Buy now and get a $5 Gift Card to Sayville Running Company Coverage: www.RunnerSpace.com Last Year’s Results: http://hoka-one-one-long-island-mile.runnerspace.com/eprofile.php?do=info&event_id=11220 2015 Sayville Running Company Elite Men’s Mile Race Video: http://hoka-one-one-long-island-mile.runnerspace.com/eprofile.php?event_id=11220&do=videos&video_id=154926
2015 Smithtown Running Company Elite Women’s Mile Race Video: http://hoka-one-one-long-island-mile.runnerspace.com/eprofile.php?event_id=11220&do=videos&video_id=154925 |
