Press Release: Deepest Women’s field yet announced for 2017 Sir Walter Miler
Deepest Women’s field yet announced for 2017 Sir Walter Miler
July 8, 2017 – Raleigh, North Carolina – After initially announcing Friday on the Summer of Miles podcast, Sir Walter Running is excited to present the deepest Women’s field to date to compete at the 2017 Sir Walter Miler. The event returns in its fourth year to its standard first Friday night spot on August 4, 2017 at the Meredith College Track. The 2017 event will again feature Elite Men’s and Women’s Mile races, a local Run Club 4×400 meter Relay, and a new event, the Citius Mag presents the Raleigh Denim Mile. The Sir Walter Miler is free and open to the public, and will again be broadcast live internationally on FloTrack.org
“This is by far the strongest Women’s field we’ve ever had in Raleigh, and likely one of the strongest American fields in history. There have only been 71 US Women that have run under 4:30, ever. And 9 of those women are here this year. For those remaining few in the field that have yet to break that barrier, this will likely be their best opportunity to date. And we’re excited to help them etch their name in history,” said Elite Women’s Race Coordinator, Jeff Caron.
In 2016, Lauren Johnson led the Women’s field in 4:25.04, which ended up being the top mile time by all American Woman in 2016. Following Johnson under the 4:30 barrier was Amanda Eccleston, Heather Kampf, Cory McGee, Stephanie Brown, and Nicole Tully. Johnson, Brown, and Tully became the 67th, 68th, and 69th American females to break the 4:30 barrier. Johnson, Eccleston, Kampf, Brown, and Tully all return for 2017, including 2015 Champion, Steph Garcia.
“After finishing second the last two years, I would obviously love to win the Sir Walter Miler, but more so, I’m excited about coming back to Raleigh to just run fast! I’ve PR’d here every year, and am hoping to keep up that tradition in 2017,” said repeat competitor, Amanda Eccleston.
Coming off of the record-setting 2016 Sir Walter Miler, the athletes will compete for an improved prize purse, including a $1000 ‘Stiner State Record Bonus’ (presented by Stiner Massage) for breaking the existing outdoor state record, which is currently held by Lauren Johnson (4:25.04). Bonuses will be given for any first time sub 4:30 milers as well.
The Elite Men’s Field will be announced in the upcoming week, with a preview on the Summer of Miles podcast.
Races will start at 8:15pm at Meredith College, with the popular pre and post party again being held at Raleigh Brewing Company, where Bo’s Kitchen will be on hand, serving up Korean Street Food at the pre-party, and Longleaf Swine BBQ will be on hand for the post-party. Wicked Weed Brewing, Bond Brothers Beer Company, Brewery Bhavana, Lynnwood Brewing Concern, and Neuse River Brewing will be providing beer to raise funds for the North Carolina East Coast Greenway Alliance.
The Sir Walter Miler weekend kicks off Thursday night with a private dinner for the athletes at Trophy Tap & Table, then will offer multiple opportunities for fans to meet (and run with) the athletes. The ‘Sir Walter Miler VIP Experience’ will allow fans to get one step closer the night of. The free ‘ElliptiGO Run with the Pros’ event will be held at 9am on Saturday, August 5th, at the Harrison Avenue entrance of Umstead Park. Fans are invited to come run 4+ miles with the Elite athletes, and will be treated to coffee and bagels afterwards (and a free Sir Walter Miler coffee mug, while they last). Arrow Haircuts will provide complimentary cuts to all elite athletes competing.
Sponsors of the 2017 Sir Walter Miler are Great Outdoor Provision Co., Trophy Brewing Co., Stiner Massage, USATF North Carolina, ElliptiGO, Arrow Haircuts, Shop Local Raleigh, and the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance.
The Sir Walter Miler is directed and promoted by Sir Walter Running, a Raleigh-based USATF club. Sir Walter Running also produces the Pop Up Miles series every June, the Raleigh RunDown Downhill Mile, the upcoming Pop Up Cross Country series this October, and a series of Strava Challenges.
Women’s Field
Stephanie Brown – Unattached
Amanda Eccleston – Brooks / True Blue Elite
Stephanie Garcia – Team New Balance
Lauren Johnson – BAA / Adidas
Heather Kampf – ASICS / Team USA MN
Emily Lipari – BAA / Adidas
Katie Mackey – Brooks Beasts TC
Dana Mecke – Brooks / Texas Elite
Megan Moye – HOKA NJNYTC
Shannon Osika – Saucony / True Blue Elite
Sarah Rapp – Pop Up Miles Champ
Rachel Schneider – Under Armour
Sara Sutherland – Saucony
Nicole Tully – HOKA NJNYTC
Kenyetta Iyevbele – HOKA NJNYTC (Rabbit)
Social Media: #SirWalterMiler | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Snapchat
Podcast: Summer of Miles on Apple Podcasts | SoundCloud | TuneIn
Video: Sir Walter Running YouTube Channel | 2017 Promo Video
For more information, sponsorship information, or interview requests, contact Pat Price for Singlet Public Relations at sirwalterrunning@gmail.com and 919.260.8013