Run to Win

The results for the New England Mile are available and are now online. The official press release is copied below. The race was a great time, and I am looking forward to it again next year. The race was twice the size of last year’s field, and it is very exciting to see that sort of growth.

Overall Results | Top Ten Males & Females | Top Ten Masters M/F
Age Group Results | Father/Son Team Results | Father Daughter Team Results

June 17th, 2007
Portland, Maine

The organizers of the KeyBank New England Mile got what they wanted when Pat Tarpy shattered the 4 minute barrier running 3:54 and collecting the $1,500 prize sponsored by The Downeast Group at Smith Barney, to lead a pack of 5 talented Mainers who all ran 4:05 or better.

“I’m still keyed up from Tarpy’s performance,” said an elated Pete Bottomley, Key Bank New England Mile director. “I expected Pat to be fast but I was surprised that he broke the 4 minute barrier by such a large amount. It was inspiring to watch.”

The lead packed came through the quarter mile in 56 seconds. 20 seconds later Tarpy surged to the front and was never really challenged. He led through the half mile in 1:56 and was running strong and smooth at the ¾ mile marker that he passed in 2:56. With 30 meters to go and the crowd going nuts Tarpy eased back a little and took a moment to wave to the crowd.

Ayalew Taye, who will attended Georgetown University in the fall, finished second in 4:02 followed by Gabe Rivard in 4:03, Jeff Caron in 4:04 and Louie Luchini in 4:05.

“We had truly amazing performances in all age group and gender categories with over 300 people running the race. I think we’ve hit our mark and I hope this race will continue to go and become a Father’s Day tradition,” exclaimed Bottomley. “We already have a commitment for equal award money for the female runners next year. Claudia Camargo shattered the women’s record running 4:27 which equates to a sub 4 mile for men. I would love to be able to reward a woman with the same amount of prize money that the men receive for that type of performance.”

For race results go to www.newenglandmile.com

For more information and interviews contact:

Pete Bottomley
207-807-1133

The Downeast Group at Smith Barney has come to the rescue of the New England Mile and is sponsoring the sub-4:00 minute mile prize of $1500 this year. Jeff Caron and Gabe Rivard are signed up to help bring Louie Luchini through in under four minutes. Top female master Zofia Wieciorkowska (1 mile PR of 4:41) and high school all-American Ayalew Taye (4:08.50 at the 2007 Nike National High School Track Meet) in will also contribute to a very fast field.

More about the race was included in today’s press release:

The Historic KeyBank New England Mile
June 12th, 2007
Portland, Maine

The 3rd annual KeyBank New England Mile will be held on Father’s Day June 17th at 9:00 am on Congress Street in Portland, Maine.

“This year is destined to be an historic run”, said Pete Bottomley the Director and Founder of the race. “Our goal has been to have the first Maine native break 4 minutes in the mile on Maine soil. This year we are extremely fortunate to have Louie Luchini flying in from Portland, Oregon to run. He is healthy after having Achilles surgery injury and he is excited to have this opportunity to continue his positive impact on Maine’s rich running history. The Downeast Group at Smith Barney also came through to sponsor a $1,500 prize to the first runner to break the 4 minute barrier”

Luchini is arguably the greatest high school and collegiate runner ever from the State of Maine. In high school he was a 14 time individual state champion and a 2 time finalist at the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships.

At Stanford University Luchini was an 11-time All-American in track and cross country. At the time of his graduation Luchini held the Stanford school record in the 5000 meters at 13:25 and was one of the schools most accomplished runners.

Louie will be joined on the starting line by former University of Maine stars Gabe Rivard and Jeff Caron. Rivard, from York, recently ran a 3:48 1500 and Caron, from Auburn, is ready to run in the 4:05 range. Both runners are focused and ready to push the pace to help Luchini make history.

“ We have also added a father/son and father/daughter division to the race to encourage kids to exercise’, announced Bottomley.” The first 50 father / child teams will receive a $10.00 Friendly’s gift certificate just for entering. With the distance being one mile they will get an opportunity to run without being overwhelmed, see a talented field run and eat some ice cream. I can’t think of a better way to expose kids to exercise!”

Proceeds for the Key Bank New England Mile will benefit Easter Seals of Maine.

For more information contact:

Pete Bottomley
207-807-1133

More information can be found on the race’s website at: http://www.NewEnglandMile.com