Fastest Mile in the Rockies
For Immediate Release – Boulder, CO, July 12, 2024 – The Boulder Road Runners are bringing The Mile High Mile back to the University of Colorado’s Potts Field on Thursday evening, August 1st. Per tradition, an invitation-only field will toe the line at sunset, with sights set on the official Colorado Soil records – Sam Parson’s 4:00.08 (1/14/2023) and Emma Coburn’s 4:32.7 (6/27/2020).
In its sixth year, the Mile High Mile offers athletes and fans the fastest mile in the Rocky Mountain region. This is the only time and place where Colorado’s fastest milers take the track together. A record prize purse, and Colorado’s most elite field, draws roaring fans track-side for the thrilling, one-of-a-kind event.
Athletes will also chase their share of the more than $4,000 prize purse including $1,000 time bonuses offered by Roll Recovery to race winners who also break 4:00 (men) and 4:32 (women).
The record-size prize purse is provided by Boulder Road Runners and key community partners including title sponsor, Sara Vaughn at Liv Sotheby’s Realty, and High Plains Bank. Prize money is distributed through the top five male and female finishers. The Invitational elite races will be paced through 1,000 meters at record pace.
Defending champions Kaela Edwards, Team USA and Adidas, and Austen Dalquist, Roots Running, will return to defend their titles against some of the top athletes in the US and many finalists in the recently completed US Olympic Track and Field Trials. Athletes committed to race include:
- Kaela Edwards, Adidas, Olympic Trials 800m. Mile PB 4:28.7
- Austen Dalquist, Roots Running, Mile PB 3:56.4
- Brian Barraza, Roots Running, Olympic Trials 5,000m, 3,000m SC. Mile PB 3:58.6
- Joey Berriatua, Tinman Elite, 7th place, Olympic Trials 3,000m SC. Mile PB 3:57.7
- Katie Camarena, Tinman Elite, Olympic Trials 5,000m and 10,000m. Mile PB 4:29.7
- Maggie Montoya, Roots Running, Olympic Trials Marathon, 10,000m, and 5,000m. Mile PB 4:37.2
- Savannah Shaw, Tinman Elite, Olympic Trials 5,000m. Mile PB 4:39.9
Dalquist, one of the high-caliber, unsponsored athletes supported through Boulder Road Runner’s Aspire OTQ program, has his sights set on defending his title, and cracking 4 minutes at altitude.
“This year, I would love to see a sub-4 mark by a participant — a feat at altitude! Last year, I ran 4:02 for the win, and I’m excited about trying to go faster this year,” says Dalquist. “The Mile High Mile does everything possible to align the stars for us to succeed – pacers, screaming crowds, etc. It will be another fun night!”
With recent Team USA members Kaela Edwards (800 meters, Budapest World Championships 2023) and Katie Camarena (Cross Country, Belgrade World Championships 2024) headlining the field, the racing will be fast and exciting. Local favorite Maggie Montoya chased Edwards down the home stretch to the delight of a roaring crowd in the 2023 race. Expect more of the same with a deeper field than ever.
“Racing at home, in an environment like this, is so nice. It takes away the anxiety and training disruption that travel creates. [Last year] I gave my Dad my winner prizes. It was special for our family,” says Edwards.
Edwards will be coming off of 800 and 1500 meter races in Europe just days before the Mile High Mile.
“I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to support the only truly elite track Mile produced in the Rocky Mountain Region. We are delighted to support Boulder Road Runners and its sponsors in this remarkable community event,” she says.
Adds Dalquist, “I love the Boulder Road Runners because they are the local group that is making waves by running fast, giving back, bringing the community together, and supporting the next generation of runners (and potential Olympians) through Aspire OTQ. I feel privileged to be a part of it.”
The Mile High Mile open races begin at 7pm, immediately following Boulder Road Runner’s final All-Comers Track Meet of the season, with Invitational elite races at 8pm (Women) and 8:15pm (Men). Spectators are encouraged to arrive early with parking available in lots adjacent to Pott’s Field.
“This race is an all-time crowd favorite,” says Race Director Todd Straka. “We literally bring fans onto the track to create a ‘wall of sound’, spurring on the athletes to break those records. The energy will be electric at Pott’s Field!”
Prize Purse Invitational Elite Race:
| Place | Men | Women |
| 1st (+CO Soil Record) | $1,000 (+$1,000) | $1,000 (+$1,000) |
| 2nd | $500 | $500 |
| 3rd | $300 | $300 |
| 4th | $200 | $200 |
| 5th | $100 | $100 |
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For more information:
Visit Mile High Mile
Coaches and Athletes Contact: Chris McDonald president@boulderroadrunners.org
Media Contact: Marcey Cote marcey@mjcomm.net