2019 HOKA ONE ONE Long Island Mile Set For Wednesday, September 4th

You’re going to want to be on the island come Wednesday, September 4th! The 5th Annual HOKA ONE ONE Long Island Mile is heading back to Bay Shore High School for the 2019 edition. For the professional runners competing, the night signifies the end of a long track season, but for the screaming high school fans standing in lane 4 it means school has started. There are a couple reasons this meet has consistently drawn Olympians, World Championship Qualifiers and World Record Holders—it’s fast and it’s loud! 

The night begins as an all-comers meet, with races for those of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re attempting to break the elusive 5-minute barrier or 10-minute, there will be plenty of competition to push you every step along the way. As the races we speed up, the anticipation builds for the best milers in the world to take their turn. In the first 4 years of the event, 30 men have run sub 4-minute miles and 25 women have dipped below 4:33.

“The Long Island Mile is a celebration of what Track can and should be: energetic, electric, competitive and fun,” said Mike McManus, Head of Global Sports Marketing at HOKA ONE ONE. “It is the kind of event that can make you fall in love with the sport, whether you’re a high school runner who might develop a lifelong passion for running, or an old fan of the sport who hasn’t seen this sort of thing for a long time. HOKA is thrilled to be a part of it.”

The event was first put on in 2015 when co-meet directors, Kyle Merber and Brendan Barrett wanted to connect the local running community with the professional side of the sport. Merber who grew up in nearby Dix Hills and sports a 3:52 mile best now competes for HOKA ONE ONE. Barrett is the owner of Sayville and Smithtown Running Company and Kyle’s former employer.

A growing enthusiasm for the sport has been the most special part for Merber to witness, “In the beginning we were begging coaches to have their teams come and to trust us, that it’d be cool. Now it’s a tradition for teams to fill a bus and to be trackside watching and asking for autographs. It’s inspiring for the kids as well as the pros.”

The men’s mile is named and run in honor of the 2016 Olympian and two-time champion, David Torrence, who tragically passed away days before the 2017 race. The David Torrence Mile serves as a celebration to his life and memory.

In 2018, Shannon Osika won the women’s race in a close finish with a time of 4:29.91. On the men’s side, Chris O'Hare defended his title running away the final 200m with a 3:55.53. The meet records are held by Amanda Eccleston who ran 4:26.87 in 2016 and David Torrence, who put down a 3:53.91 in 2015. 

The community involvement is the cornerstone of the event and the legendary coach of Bay Shore, Steve Borbet, has seen the impact firsthand, “The professional athletes were so accommodating, posing for pictures, signing autographs, talking with everyone and this left an impression on our team!”

The buzz of the event lasts longer than one night. Barrett says customers talk about it all year long, “They take a lot of pride in racing on the same track as the pros and they ask all year long if we are doing it again.” Well it’s almost here!

Once again, RunnerSpace.com will be on hand for race coverage and to LIVE stream the event FREE to those unable to attend. They will be resuming their collaboration with Just-In-Time-Racing, who will be in charge of timing and scoring. Admission is only $5 to spectate or $20 to race (there is a kid’s 400m fun run is $10). Tickets, registration and information are available at LongIslandMile.com or by calling Sayville Running Company (631-589-5700). 

About HOKA ONE ONE® 

HOKA ONE ONE® produces premium performance footwear for athletes of all types. Initially distinguished by their extra-thick midsoles, HOKA shoes were first embraced by competitive ultrarunners because of their enhanced cushioning and inherent stability, and today are designed to meet the running, walking and fitness needs of a wide variety of users. HOKA’s road running, trail running, hiking and fitness shoes appeal to serious runners and fitness enthusiasts alike who enjoy the shoes’ unique ride and performance characteristics. For more information, visit hokaoneone.com or follow @hokaoneone #timetofly.