Centrowitz and Lagat Applauded After NYRR Wanamaker Mile

Matthew Centrowitz won the men’s NYRR Wanamaker Mile title in the 108th NYRR Millrose Games, but it was eight-time champion Bernard Lagat who garnered a larger spotlight and louder applause at the packed Armory New Balance Track & Field Center Saturday night.

Lagat, 40, finished fourth in the Wanamaker Mile but turned in a time of 3:54.91, a masters world record eclipsing Eamonn Coghlan’s previous mark of 3:58.15 in 1994.  Coghlan, owner of seven Wanamaker titles, was one of the first to congratulate Lagat.

“Being able to run my best and run with the young guys, to me that’s a humbling experience,” Lagat said afterward. “For people to yell `Go Kip, Go Kip,’ that really touches me and I want to show them that I can perform very well.”

“Age is just a number and I believe that …I had a lot of plans for this event. I’m leaving here knowing I achieved everything I wanted to do,” Lagat added.

Centrowitz, the 2012 Wanamaker Mile champion, battled New Zealand’s Nick Willis down the stretch. His winning time of 3:51.35 was good enough to edge Willis (3:51.46) at the finish line.

“I didn’t look behind me at all the whole race, but it definitely felt fast at the start. I wanted a faster time for myself, it wasn’t ideal for me to run an xyz, but it was my best effort. It’s a big deal for me to win a second title out of my three attempts at the Wanamaker Mile.”

Ten of the 12 men runners in the race turned in sub-4 minute mile performances, including Chris O’Hare (3:55.35) who became the 100th person to post a sub-4 minute mile at The Armory.

Two-time Olympian Shannon Rowbury continued her strong performance of late to capture the women’s NYRR Wanamaker Mile with a 4:24.32 time ahead of runner-up Treniere Moser (4:27.49) and Stephanie Charnigo (4:28.02).  Defending champion Mary Cain finished eighth with a 4:31.31.

“I am disappointed,” Rowbury said. “I knew I had an American record in me today. I’d love to have another opportunity to go after it because I know I’m capable.”

The American record is 4:20.5 by Mary Decker in 1982.

Lagat wasn’t the only one to achieve a world record. Brycen Spratling established the world's best in the 500m with a 1:00.06 time, ahead of Ken Lowery’ 1987 mark of 1:00.17.

“I didn’t know I was on pace (to break the record) honestly,’’ Spratling said. “I felt like I relaxed a little too much early on in the race. When I saw the time, I mean I looked disappointed. I really wanted to go 59 (seconds). But if that’s the best ever ran and then I just missed out, then I’m OK with it.”

Local favorite Phyllis Francis recorded a memory for the scrapbooks in her professional debut, overtaking 2012 Olympic champion Sanya Richards-Ross at the finish line with a 53.14 time. Richards-Ross turned in a 53.71 time.

“This is mind blowing right now,” Francis said. “I wasn’t expecting run that time. I told myself to go for it (down the stretch). If I pass out then I’ve got medics right there. So I said to myself to just go for it and I did. I’m lost for words right now. I’m ecstatic and happy. (Richards-Ross) is an amazing competitor. I looked up to her as a little girl and my parents told me to look at Sanya … for me to be running at that level and to be running with her is an honor,” Francis added.

Quotes From the 108th NYRR Millrose Games

Bernard Lagat 4th in the NYRR Wanamaker Mile (3:54.91)

Running a masters world record: “Being able to run my best and run with the young guys, to me that’s a humbling experience. For people to yell `go Kip, go Kip,’ that really touches me and I want to show them that I can perform very well.” 

Competiting at the age of 40: “Age is just a number and I believe that. I train with Lawi Lalang and we always talk about the same thing: `age is just a number, just go and do the work.’ I’ve been able to do the work in training and have to be serious whenever I do this. I have to be serious. There is no going in there and (thinking) `Well, let me see what I can do.’ I’m going to win or I’m going to do this. I had a lot of plans for this event. I’m leaving here knowing I achieved everything I wanted to do. My training is good, I’ve been able to train well and I ran a 3:54. I’m really pleased with that.”

Being comfortable: “Relaxation is the key. If you worry too much … I was thinking about this race, but I wasn’t too worried. I didn’t have nervousness or the pressure. I was calm and that calmness helps you relax yourself where you can actually plan the race as it develops. I was planning  this race tonight – as we were running I’m telling myself everyone is falling back because they started going crazy at the beginning. I was right there, maybe at No. 8 even No. 10 and I could actually see how I was going to run. Those guys were going to come back. I was able to work on my plan because I knew what I was capable of doing. Because of the relaxed mind I was able to do that.”

NYRR Millrose Games 2016: “The guy who has a master plan for me in the Millrose Games is David Monti. He has a plan for me next year, but I can’t tell which one. He’ll tell me maybe in March. He’ll say, ‘So Kip…’ The story continues and he’s good with that.”

Matthew Centrowitz’ career: “With him being with Alberto (Salazar) and the other guys that are mature, you know what, he matured with them. He no longer wants to be best in the country, he wants to be best in the world.”

Matthew Centowitz won the NYRR Wanamaker Mile (3:51.35)

Not looking back: "I didn't look behind me at all the whole race, but it definitely felt fast at the start. I wanted a faster time for myself, it wasn't ideal for me to run an xyz but it was my best effort. It's a big deal for me to win a second title out of my three attempts at the Wanamaker mile. My loss to Lopez still leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The Armory is a second home to me, competing in front of my family and friends. This is one of favorite indoor tracks to run on in the nation. The crowd is electric, there's nothing quite like it."

Nick Willis second in the NYRR Wanamaker Mile (3:51.46)

Giving Centro a run for his money: "Very good race in Matt Centrowitz and he deserved to win today, but I gave him a good run for his money at least."

Shannon Rowbury won the NYRR Wanamaker Mile (4:24.32)

Nearly missing the American record: "I am disappointed, I knew I had an American record in me today. I'd love to have another opportunity to go after it because I know I'm capable."

Competing with her training partners: "I know I have to bring my A-game when the rest of the Oregon Project toes the line."

Jordan Hasay 4th in the NYRR Wanamaker Mile (4:28.27)

Going up against Rowbury: "I got a bit further this year and the goal was just to keep up with Shannon, since I knew this year she was definitely the one to beat."

Phyllis Francis won the AT&T 400m (53.14)

Being in good enough shape to win: “I was a little surprised because it’s early in my training right now. I wasn’t expecting to run that time, but I’m happy with it. My coach said I might surprise myself and I did.”

Beating her hero: “This is mind blowing right now. I wasn’t expecting run that time. I told myself to go for it (down the stretch). If I pass out then I’ve got medics right there. So I said to myself to just go for it and I did. I’m lost for words right now. I’m ecstatic and happy. (Sanya Richards-Ross) is an amazing competitor. I looked up to her as a little girl and my parents told me to look at Sanya … for me to be running at that level and to be running with her is an honor.”

Sanya Richards-Ross second in the AT&T 400m (53.71)

The energy at The Armory: "Phyllis ran a great race. I honestly feel blessed to still be running and have my competitors tell me they used to watch me as a kid. I feel I didn't tweak my training enough for the indoor track. The crowd here at The Armory, the energy and music were great, but ultimately my legs felt heavy at the end."

Ekaterina Stefanidi won the Fred Schmertz Pole Vault (15' 1")

The win: “This was good (finishing first). I’m training for the European Championships and that’s the big goal.”

About Jenn Suhr having to pull out because of injury: “Every competitor is a competitor. It’s cool to be around Jenn. She’s the world indoor record holder and I like her, I really like her and we all get along. It was nice seeing her in Boston last week.  I come and try to do my best for me and if she kicks my ass she kicks my ass.“

Performing at The Armory: “It’s cool. I was actually here two years ago and just out of college. I was very inexperienced and I was like freaking out. But I definitely handled it better this time.”

Ajee Wilson won the EmblemHealth 800m (2:01.57)

Her strength: “I’m a lot stronger than I was last year. I feel more comfortable. I’m excited for the rest of the year because the work we’ve been doing is for June, for making the team.”

Feeling comfortable at The Armory more than anywhere else: “Definitely. I’m used to it here. It’s an easy drive up and all my family comes out to support.”

Ashton Eaton 3rd in the Howard Schmertz 60m Hurdles (7.51)

Jumping over the wall: “I landed on my feet somehow. After the race I was so jacked up being right next to David Oliver. I thought I had won or had gotten second and I knew it was a fast time because he’s fast. So from the finish line to the wall I was thinking just about that, and the wall came and I casually jumped over it. I didn’t judge it very well, but I landed on my feet.”

Erik Sowiniski won the Mel Sheppard 1,000m (2:21.18)

Consistently winning at The Armory: "It feels great to once again win at The Armory. It's where my track and field career really got started. I feel like I almost have a home field advantage when I compete here. I'm a little disappointed the race wasn't faster, but I'm happy with the win." 

Brycen Spratling won the NYAC 500m (1:00.06)

Setting the 500m indoor world record: "I didn't know I was on pace. Honestly I felt like I relaxed a little bit too much early on in the race. When I saw the time, I mean ... I really wanted to go 59. But if that's the best ever ran and I just missed out, then I'm ok with it."

Realizing he's a world record holder: "It hasn't really hit me yet. It's kind of crazy to think that of all the greatest athletes that have ran track, which are some of the best athletes in the world, that no ones been able to run that fast at that distance. So it means a lot to me. I'm definitely going to cherish it and hold onto it."

Sally Kipyego won the Paavo Nurmi 3,000m (8:41.72)

Enjoying the NYRR Millrose Games vibes: "I wanted to enjoy the crowd and be able to enjoy the atmosphere and just compete to my best ability, and I think I did that."

Nicole Tully Will Have Large Cheering Section at 108th NYRR Millrose Games

On February 14th, Nicole Tully will toe the line of the 108th NYRR Millrose Games NYRR Wanamaker Mile at The Armory. She’ll go up against a deeply talented field including Nike Oregon Project stars, Mary Cain and Jordan Hasay as well as 1500m World Championship bronze medalist, Shannon Rowbury.

Though the competition will be stiff, Tully’s extensive experience from competing at The Armory and Millrose Games will surely give her an advantage.

Her first Armory experiences came while competing at the University of Villanova, where she earned All-American honors three times. Her first Millrose Games experience was as good as it gets, as she anchored an NYAC team to victory in the 2012 Club Championship Distance Medley Relay. 

At last year’s Millrose Games Tully came off of a foot injury to shave 11 seconds off of her personal best 3,000m time, taking 8th place in 9:00.84.

“The Armory has a home court advantage feel for me,” said Tully. “Because I’m so comfortable racing at The Armory, I feel like it’s a good place to showcase the fitness level that I’m in now and just get it done.”

Another advantage for Tully will be her cheering section from NYAC and NJ-NYTC club and teammates. But cheering loudest of all will surely be her parents Jane and Ken Schappert, especially her father, who is also a Villanova alumni and competed for the NYAC at several past Millrose Games.

“My dad’s from New York, so Millrose Games has been a big name in our house for a very long time,” said Tully. “My parents love coming to the Games and it’s something that I’ve developed such a respect for.”

Solomon, Sowinski, Andrews Focused on 1,000m Showdown

One of the many must watch match-ups of the 108th NYRR Millrose Games on Saturday, February 14 at the Armory’s New Balance Track and Field Center will be the 1000 meter race between American middle-distance stand-outs Duane Solomon, Erik Sowinski and Robby Andrews.

Since running the second fastest 800 meter time ever by an American to take fourth at the 2012 Olympic Games, Solomon has become one of the biggest names in the middle-distance world.

“The 1000 is really new to me, but at the same time I’m ready for it,” said Solomon. “I want people to know that I have a lot of weapons in my arsenal.”

Sowinski rose among the middle-distance ranks after breaking the 600 meter American record at the 2013 Millrose Games. Solomon, who Sowinski overtook during that race’s final turn, was the record’s previous owner.

Though there is a bit of a rivalry between Solomon and Sowinski, the two teamed up last year to help break the 4x800 meter world record at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. Andrews was also a competitor in that race and led his team to a second-place finish that was also under the previous world record.

Of the three, Andrews has the most history with The Armory. The New Jersey native’s name can be found on The Armory’s record wall under the high school 800 and 1000 meter records as well as the collegiate 800 meter record. He also took second in the 2008 Millrose Games High School Mile.

“The Armory is where I got my start,” said Andrews. “I definitely have a soft spot for The Armory and definitely want to run well every time I step on that track.”

Declan Murray – who helped his Irish team secure a national record in the distance medley relay at January’s Armory Track Invitational – will also be a major player in the Games’ 1000 meters. Murray’s team finished just behind Team USA, which was led by Sowinski to a world record.

But no one should discount 2012 Olympic 1500m bronze medalist Adelaati Iguider from Morocco who will have his sights on the big win in New York.

Pierre-Ambroise Bosse set the Millrose Games’ 1000m record at 2:17.63 during the 107th NYRR Millrose Games.  Solomon, Sowinski and Andrews each have reported they’re in good enough shape to run under that mark, which is not too far off the American record of 2:16.76.

The NYRR Millrose Games, part of the USATF Championship Series, is scheduled to be televised live nationally by NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) from 6-8 p.m. USATF.tv will carry live as well.

Marielle Hall is in the Right Place for 108th NYRR Millrose Games

Marielle Hall catapulted into the national running conciousness in a big way in 2014, lowering her 5,000 meters PR by more than a minute and capturing the NCAA title in her last race for the University of Texas. 

In the months that followed, she returned to her high school coach, Derek Thompson, and began a training partnership with Ajee Wilson, the 2014 world leader in the 800 meters.

It's been a whirlwind year for Hall, who is now a professional rookie and will compete at the NYRR Millrose Games on Saturday in the 3,000 meters.

In the aftermath of her NCAA victory, a surprising win over seven-time national champion Abbey D'Agostino of Dartmouth, Hall needed to chart a new course for her post-season career.

She got an opportunity to go to Europe for one race in Ireland and two in Belgium.

"The fields over there were larger and more aggressive than what I was used to," Hall said. "I learned a lot. I was happy with (the trip). For me, just to get to go was a lot."

Coincidentally, Hall was paired with Wilson in their Belgium hotel. The two knew each other but only as acquaintances. 

When she returned to states, Hall went to Austin to pack up her things and then moved back to New Jersey. 

She knew it was time to pay Thompson a visit. She needed a coach. 

"I went with my dad to his house," Hall said. "I asked him if (coaching me) was something that he would be willing to do. I knew he'd been working with Ajee and was obviously successful with that."

Thompson said yes.

"That was good," Hall said. "Finding a coaching situation (that fits) is one of the hardest things you have to do after you finish (college)."

Hall, a 2010 graduate of Haddonfield HS (N.J.), won the mile at the National Scholastic meet at The Armory her senior year in 4:59.16. She also was on the USA team that competed in the World Youth Championships in 2009. 

At Texas, her career proceeded at a steady -- if unspectacular -- pace. As a junior and senior she placed inside the top 30 at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. She entered her senior year of track with a 5,000 meters PR of 16:22.83 (from 2012).

Few saw it coming when she ran 15.19.22 at the Stanford Invitational last April. 

After years of mental and physical challenges during her first three years at Texas, it all came together as a senior. 

Now, in Philadelphia, Hall and Wilson are part of a small group that includes Lucy Yates of Great Britain (a former student-turned-graduate assistant at La Salle) and Jamaican Kimara McDonald. There are also a couple of men in the group, Alfredo Santana (formerly of La Salle) and Charles Ross, who ran at Pitt.

It's a varied group that includes strenghts from the 400 to 10,000. 

"Derek says we can all help each other," Hall said. "There are some days where I'm hanging on the best I can (in speed workouts). There are other days where I'll lead the workouts. It's been a good matchup for people step up in their roles."

Even though Hall is older than Wilson, she is learning from someone who has quickly risen into the stratosphere of global track and field. Wilson was sixth at the 2013 World Championships as an 18-year-old.

"It's been nice to see how she trains and how she works," Hall said. "It's been good to fall in line and learn from her. Her attitude, it's really laid back but she's always working hard. She's a cool person, calm about everything. It sort of makes you forget (how good she is) and then she'll blast one (interval) on you so you wake up and remember."

Hall is confident that she's in the right place, with the right people, to make significant improvement and justify her professional shoe contract with Nike. 

"The work that I'm doing I know is a lot different from anything I've done in college," Hall said. "I'm no longer trying to peak for June, now it's looking at possibly the end of August or September. But the biggest thing is that I'm confident in my coach and what he can do. You roll with it, especially when you know the people around you are good."

Sanya Richards-Ross on Style and Relationships

Sanya Richards-Ross will be one of many athletes to look out for at the 108th NYRR Millrose Games on February 14th. She's a four-time Olympic gold medalist, five-time World Championship gold medalist and owner the 400m American and Armory records. She's also an accomplished buisness manager, fashionista and star of her own televison reality series, Sanya's Glam and Gold. We spoke with track and field's most "fast and fashionable" athlete about style, relationships and staying focused:

How have you used your personal style to distinguish yourself on the track?

I’ve always loved the beauty and fashion industries. As an athlete there were times I felt like it wasn’t appropriate to express that, but as I got older I embraced my femininity and love for fashion. Now it’s a part of who I am. I always say, ‘Look good, feel good, run good!’ When I feel good about myself, and fashion and beauty are only a small part of that, I feel ready to compete at my best!

How have your relationships with family and friends helped you develop in your career?

My relationships have been integral to my success. If it weren’t for my parents, coaches, and support system I wouldn’t have been able to get better, stay focused, and ultimately accomplish my goals. I’d advise people to find positive, supportive people that are committed to helping them be their best and then trust them to do their part.

How does a superstar like yourself manage to stay focused and drama free?

Thank you! I believe I've been able to stay drama free for a couple reasons. For sure my faith has kept me grounded and humble. I know my blessings come from God and although it's not always easy I've tried to stay humble and keep things in proper perspective. My family has also kept me on track, literally! Their unconditional love and guidance have constantly reminded me what's important and I do my best to focus on that.

Your husband plays in the NFL. What have you two learned from each other as professional athletes?

We’ve definitely taught each other how to bounce back from disappointments. We’ve both enjoyed some amazing highs but also suffered some painful lows; together we’ve both been able to bounce back because of the other’s support. I’m blessed to have him in my life. 

Who dresses better, Mrs. or Mr. Ross?

 Definitely my dapper husband! He has a natural knack for fashion and everything looks great on him!