Sir Walter Running partners with FloTrack to broadcast the 2015 Sir Walter Miler
Sir Walter Running partners with FloTrack to broadcast the 2015 Sir Walter Miler
June 12, 2015 – Raleigh, NC – Sir Walter Running has entered into a multi-year agreement with Austin, TX-based FloTrack, to broadcast the 2015 Sir Walter Miler live on their FloPRO platform. “FloTrack is very excited to partner with Sir Walter Running. The Sir Walter Miler is a fantastic event that receives great support and energy from the Raleigh community. FloTrack is committed to bringing the Sir Walter Miler to our national audience,” said FloTrack General Manager, Kevin Selby.
The Sir Walter Miler started in 2013, initially dubbed the “Sandman Mile,” where former Broughton High, Georgetown, and NC State All American, Sandy Roberts, took aim at the revered four minute mile. Paced only by his brother, 1:50 800 meter runner and former Baylor Bear, Logan Roberts, the event went viral. With only a few days of social media promotion, the event brought out nearly 400 people on a Wednesday night, under the lights of Cardinal Gibbons school (after football practice). Video of the event led to many views on FloTrack, which led to the inception of the Kickstarter crowd funded Sir Walter Miler.
“Both athletes and fans came together in a powerful moment, where the sport was showcased and people felt a part of something. It was electrifying and people didn’t forget the power of the experience,” said Sandy Roberts.
2014’s Sir Walter Miler saw three men break the hallowed four minute mile barrier, for the first time in Raleigh since Duke’s Steve Wheeler ran 3:59.4 on April 20, 1974. New Jersey/New York Track Club’s Ford Palmer led the way in 3:57.61, with Donnie Cowart (3:58.43) and Isaac Presson (3:59.77) close behind. Palmer later went on to sign a shoe deal with Hoka One One. In the Women’s race, Heidi (Gregson) See ran the fastest time in North Carolina history, crossing the line in 4:34.05. See would go on to win the 2015 Australian National Championship earlier this year.
“Since Sir Walter Miler’s inception, similar races and meets have adopted some aspects of our product. We are proud to help usher in a resurgence in fan experience and elite racing. Our sport must adapt to the times and continue to seek to capture the interest of consumers,” said athlete coordinator, Logan Roberts.
The second annual event will once again take place at Meredith College, with pre and post party taking place at Raleigh Brewing Company. Unknown Brewing, Small Batch Brewing, and Raleigh Brewing will bring lower alcohol “Interval Sessions” beers to the event, to raise money for charity. Les Stewart, head brewer of Trophy Brewing, will brew a beer with race director, Pat Price, that will only be available at the popular brewery/pizzeria, and the Sir Walter Miler. The pre party will feature food trucks, and the post party will feature live music. The Busy Bee Cafe in downtown Raleigh will host a crowdfunded “Dinner with the Pros,” the night before the event.
2015 also brings a new local series in June, that will allow one man and woman a chance to qualify for the Sir Walter Miler. The “Pop Up Miles” series started June 2nd and runs every Tuesday of June; climaxing with the Championship Miles on June 30th. The Top 10 Men and Top 10 Women, with the best mile times over the course of the month, will square off for a spot in the Sir Walter Miler elite race. More information is available at PopUpMiles.com Video of the Pop Up Miles Championship Miles will be archived on FloTrack.org
For more information on the live broadcast, check out FloTrack.org/premium For more information on the Sir Walter Miler, check out SirWalterMiler.com
For more information, sponsorship information, or interview requests, contact Pat Price at sirwalterrunning@gmail.com and 919.260.8013