Meet the 2025 SWM Athletes: Sam Prakel

Sam Prakel | Men’s Elite Mile

Social Media: Instagram | Strava

Sponsor: adidas
College: Oregon
Mile PR: 3:50.94

This is my fifth Sir Walter Miler! I’ve been 3rd, 2nd, 3rd, & 9th. I’ll have to at least come back next year to set the record for most appearances.
I’ve broken 4 minutes in the mile for 10 years in a row now. I first broke 4 at the Dempsey indoor track in Seattle, WA where I now live and train.
I got married in October of 2023. My wife Katie is a Research Scientist Engineer at the University of Washington and former steeplechase standout at Michigan State. She is smarter and a faster hiker than me.
I’m originally from Versailles, Ohio, home of the world’s largest chicken barbeque. Over 40,000 chicken dinners were served at the Versailles Poultry Days this year (population of Versailles: 2,692).
I went to the University of Oregon and was the last person to do a workout on Historic Hayward Field.

What is your song of the Summer? “Peaches” by In The Valley Below
What’s one place you’ve run that you wish everyone could grab a few miles on? Riverbend Park in Jupiter, FL
What’s your favorite way to hydrate to beat the heat of the Summer? Trader Joe’s Ginger Beer
What’s something you do for fun in your “offseason?” Hiking and camping in Washington state
Do you have any connections to Raleigh and/or North Carolina? Mainly just Sir Walter and all the hosts/runners/volunteers/fans I’ve met over the years