Meet the 2016 Competitors: Ford Palmer

Ford Palmer | Men’s Elite Mile

Ford Palmer returns to Raleigh after winning the inaugural Sir Walter Miler in 2014. After taking a spill at the 2016 Olympic Trials, Palmer rebounded to run a 3:57.97 mile at the Morton Games in Dublin, Ireland. (You can also read his 2014 profile and 2015 profile.)

Social media: Twitter | Instagram | Sweat Mobile

College: Monmouth University
Coach: Frank Gagliano
Club: New Jersey New York Track Club
Sponsor: Hoka One One
Mile PR: 3:56.79

5 Things About Me: Ford Palmer

1. My full name is Franklin Ford Palmer V. I’m the 5th Ford! We were all first born sons. I’m leaning towards continuing the lineage.
2. My teammates Kyle Merber, Johnny Gregorek, and Colby Alexander are in this year’s race. Kyle, Johnny and I lived together while Colby lived up the road. Colby was over our house 90% of the time playing video games so he practically lived with us also.
3. This is my third year racing Sir Walter. I always wind up in Raleigh Times post race (after Raleigh Brewing closes).
4. My track career can be summed up in one sentence: “Football player turned vegan sub 4 miler.”
5. I wear Hoka Clifton 1’s in my sleep, Hoka Clifton 2’s when I run, Hoka Clifton 3’s when I shop for groceries, Hoka Tracers when I workout, Hoka Claytons when I walk my dog, Hoka Challenger ATRs when I walk my dog with an incline, Hoka Challenger ATR 2’s when I hike, and Hoka Vanquish 2’s for everything in between.

North Carolina connection?
My first time breaking four in the mile came from this meet two years ago. I will never forget that night, Raleigh will always have a special place in my heart!

Learn more about Ford at: VIS Experience | Run with the Pros