Photo Credit: Victah Sailer/PhotoRun.net
New York, January 21, 2014 – Two-time Olympian and world-record holder Wallace Spearmon leads a stellar Men's 300 meter field at the NYRR Millrose Games, one that showcases both Olympic and World Championships medalists. The 107th edition of the NYRR Millrose Games will be held on Saturday, February 15, at The New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory.
Spearmon, 29, is one of the most decorated sprinters in American history, having earned World Championships medals in the 200 meters and 4x100 meter relay. A short sprint specialist, Spearmon has a personal best of 19.65 seconds for 200 meters, and has already run 20.68 this season.
"I love the 300m distance," said Spearmon. "I am ready and can't wait to race at the Millrose Games at The Armory."
In 2006, Spearmon set the 300 meter indoor world record, timing a blistering 31.88 seconds. The mark could well be in jeopardy on the fast oval at The Armory.
Joining Spearmon on the starting line will be three of Trinidad & Tobago's best long sprinters. Lalonde Gordon and Jarrin Solomon, both 2012 Olympic 4x400 meter bronze medalists, and former 400 meter World Championships bronze medalist Rennie Quow are all entered.
A resident of Queens, Gordon often competes at The Armory. Last year, he set The Armory record for 300 meters with a time of 32.48. A year prior, Gordon earned an individual bronze medal in the 400 meters at the Olympic Games.
"I'm going to be running in front of my home crowd so I've got to bring my 'A' game," said Gordon. "This is like my backyard. I'm very excited."
Bringing both short sprint specialists such as Spearmon and longer sprinters like Gordon, Solomon, and Quow is sure to create an intriguing and fast matchup, something rarely witnessed in indoor track and field.
"Seeing this great field together at one of our signature events, the 300m, will really be a show stopper," said Dr. Norbert Sander, Executive Director of the Armory Foundation. "The world record is definitely in play."
NYRR MILLROSE GAMES TICKETS
Fans are urged to visit NYRRMillroseGames.org to purchase tickets. The 2014 NYRR Millrose Games will begin at noon and conclude at 6:30 pm, featuring the prime time window from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Further questions can be answered by calling The Armory at (212) 923-1803 ext. 7200.
RAFFLE TO BENEFIT ARMORY COLLEGE PREP
In addition, the NYRR Millrose Games and The Armory have partnered to offer eight raffle prizes surrounding the 107th Millrose Games that benefit Armory College Prep, the college success program run by The Armory to help local young runners realize their dreams of gaining admission to college. The Foundation's motto is "Keeping Kids on Track," and Armory College Prep extends that motto beyond athletics. Visitwww.nyrrmillrosegames.org/raffle for your chance to win a weekend trip to the NYRR Millrose Games, a burger and beer with Nick Symmonds, a piece of The Armory's history, and more.
About the NYRR MillroseGames
Since its inception in 1908 at a local armory, the NYRR Millrose Games is one of track and field’s most prestigious annual events. A New York City sports staple, the meet moved to New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory in Washington Heights in 2012 after having called Madison Square Garden home from 1914 to 2011. The Games — established by employees of Wanamaker's Department Store — annually feature track & field’s most prolific male and female stars as well as collegiate and high school competitors. More than 200 athletes share the distinction of being both Millrose and Olympic Champions. In November, the New York Road Runners became the title sponsor of the NYRR Millrose Games, which is hosted by the Armory Foundation.
# # #
