Chasing History
On Monday it was announced that Grant Fisher, a senior from Grand Blanc, MI who is fresh off of a 4:01 full mile, will be entered in the Pro Men's Mile in aim to eclipse the four minute mile barrier. With the pace going out at 2:55 for the 1200m and his recent racing history, there is a lot of attention on the St. Louis Track Club Men's Mile. If Fisher were to be able to step up to the occasion he would become only the seventh high school runner to crack the four minute barrier, joining the likes of Alan Webb, Jim Ryun, and Lukas Verzbicas. With Matthew Maton of Summit High School (OR) having run 3:59.38 earlier this season at the Oregon Twilight, the possibility of for the first time two runners running under four minutes is on the table.
You can read more about Fisher in the Mile here.
The Race for First
Those who were at Festival of Miles last year saw an incredible run by Jordan McNamara to take down Olympic Silver Medalist Leo Manzano's meet record running 3:54.27. With McNamara back as well as Tommy Schmitz, 3:56.45 in 2014, the sub-four streak seems likely to continue.
Missourians in the Field
In the field is Eric Fernandez, a 2008 Parkway West Graduate and the 2007 Class 4 XC Champ. Now running for Hoka NAZ Elite, coached by Ben Rosario (meet director and Big River Co-Founder), Fernandez will be looking to impress in front of the hometown crowd. Another Missourian, Caleb Hoover is also in the field. Hoover dominated the Southwest Missouri area during his time at College Heights Christian. Both of these athletes, while successful, would rightfully not label themselves as milers.
Other Races
Big River Championship Boys Mile Preview
Big River Championship Girls Mile Preview