As part of the lead up to the 107th NYRR Millrose Games, ArmoryTrack.com will be highlighting a number of student-athletes who have qualified for the New Balance High School Mile. The New Balance High School Mile has long been a staple at the NYRR Millrose Games, with past winners including sub-four minute miler Kyle Merber and 2013 IAAF World Championships qualifier Cory McGee. Today's spotlight is on New York's James Burke.
Photo Couretsey of Kyle Brazeil
James Burke
Junior
Port Jefferson, NY
Fastest Mile - 4:13.4
ArmoryTrack.com: What's your greatest running achievement?
James Burke: Double county champion in both the 800 and the 1600 last spring.
ArmoryTrack.com: Best piece of advice someone's ever given you?
James Burke: "Run fast, turn left." My AAU coach John Martin used to say that to me before races as a way to ease my nerves and now that's the last thing my mom tells me before every race.
ArmoryTrack.com: What are three keys to your running success?
James Burke: 1) Make the last one the best one. 2) Try not to get inside your own head 3) Never be afraid to make a big move.
ArmoryTrack.com: Do you have any pre-race traditions/superstitions?
James Burke: Yes, I run with my uncle's mass card in my sock. He was a fire fighter on 9/11 and was killed. Capt. William F. Burke, Jr.
ArmoryTrack.com: Who is your favorite athlete?
James Burke: Mariano Rivera, because I grew up a Yankees fan my whole life and I love the way he dominated his sport with such humility and class. So much so that he earned the universal respect from all of his competitors.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite Pre-Race Meal?
James Burke: Pasta with mom's secret sauce. That's as detailed as she will let me get.
ArmoryTrack.com: If you could go on a run with anyone, past or present, who would it be with?
James Burke: I would run the mile with Michael Jordan so I could tell people I beat him one on one.
ArmoryTrack.com: What are your favorite hobbies?
James Burke: Pretty much regular stuff. Hanging out with friends, listening to music, watching movies, things like that.
ArmoryTrack.com: Favorite song?
James Burke: I have a pretty wide variety of interests when it comes to music. I listen to anything from rap and hip hop to rock and blues, a little jazz here and there. But I'll tell you my most played song on iTunes is Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. But that may be partially influenced by my dad.
ArmoryTrack.com: What is your favorite place to run?
James Burke: We call it The Point. It's at the end of about a two mile long winding road called Cliff Road and it leads to the top off these huge bluffs and if you go through the woods a little bit, you can see the whole bluffs and the harbor and all the way out to Connecticut. It's a very beautiful view.
