Women’s 4x800 sets World Record; Chris O’Hare captures first NYRR Wanamaker Mile During 111th NYRR Millrose Games

The USA 4x800 relay team of Chrishuna Williams, Raevyn Rogers, Charlene Lipsey and Ajee’ Wilson entered Saturday’s 111th NYRR Millrose Games at The Armory focused on a world record. They did just that as they left The Armory as new owners of a world mark.

The quartet’s magical time of 8:05.89 in the Jack & Lewis Rudin Women’s 4x800 Relay, broke the previous indoor world record of 8:06.24 set by Russia in 2011.

“Our coach said for us to believe in ourselves and we could get the record,” said Lipsey of Hempstead, N.Y., who ran the third leg. “I knew my teammates were going to run well. I just wanted to make sure I did my part.”

Wilson, who hails from Neptune, N.J., and is a regular at The Armory, ran the anchor leg and was inspired to finish strong by the sold-out crowd of 5,550 at the venerable track & field facility in Washington Heights. She credited the crowd’s deafening roars to giving her an extra push across the 200-meter track during her final lap.

“That is the loudest I’ve ever heard it,” Wilson said. “That’s the loudest I’ve ever felt it. That was insane. Every lap was high energy. The crowd definitely pushed me across on that last lap.”

The 4x800 USA team wasn’t the only world record on stage at The Armory on Saturday night.

Bahamian sprinter Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who won at last year’s NYRR Millrose games, set an indoor world record of 35.45 in the women’s 300m. She equaled the mark set by Irina Privalova of Russia in 1993. 

Chris O’Hare of Great Britain built up an insurmountable lead heading into the last lap of the night’s signature event, the NYRR Men’s Wanamaker Mile, to hold off runner-up Ben Blankenship andJosh Kerr. O’Hare finished with a 3:54.14 time to win his first Wanamaker Mile, just ahead of Blankenship’s 3:54.72 and Kerr’s 3:54.77.

“Lots of people come from far to watch and cheer me on, so it’s huge to perform and do so well having come so far,” O’Hare said. “I’ve done Millrose many a time and it’s very special to be able to win and makes all the other times I’ve competed even more worthwhile.”

In the NYRR Women’s Wanamaker Mile, middle distance sensation Colleen Quigley of St. Louis 4:30.05 outstretched last year’s runner-up Kate Grace at the finish line. Grace turned in a time of 4:30.08.

Aisha Praught-Leer took home one of the night’s tightly-contested titles when she won the Fred Lebow Women’s 3,000. Praught-Leer outlasted training partner Emma Coburn 8:41.10 to 8:41.16. University of Missouri’s Karissa Schweizer finished fourth, but her 8:41.60 set a new collegiate record bettering Jenny Simpson’s NCAA’s mark of 8:42.02 when she was at the University of Colorado in 2009.

Two of the most anticipated field events didn’t disappoint with its winners. Twenty-year-old high jump sensation Vashti Cunningham, the 2016 World Indoor champion, won the John Thomas Women’s High Jump with a best of 6 feet, 5 inches.

Olympic gold medalist Katerina Stefanidi of Greece won her third consecutive John and Margo Catsimatidis Women’s Pole Vault title, with a 15-feet, 5 ½ inches best vault. The expected duel between Stefanidi and USA 2016 Olympic silver medalist Sandi Morris never happened. Morris was unable to compete because she suffered a back injury during warmups.

Brodey Hasty, a high school senior from Brentwood High School in Tennessee, came within an eyelash of becoming the third high school runner to ever turn in a sub-4-minute performance indoors. Seconds after he crossed the finish line, the scoreboard flashed 4:00.05. Drew Hunter (2016) and Alan Webb (2001) both broke the 4-minute mark at The Armory.

Coghlan Returns To NYRR Millrose Games, Delighted Classic Meet Is Alive And Well

By Elliot Denman, Photo by Ross Dettman

“The NYRR Millrose Games and the Wanamaker Mile, they’re alive and well.”

Take that from a man who should know – Eamonn Coghlan, the erstwhile “Chairman of the Boards” who won the classic Wanamaker Mile seven times, the first in 1977, the last in 1987. He ran a glory-filled romp through an era in which indoor track still ranked as a major spectator sport and whose exploits nearly personally filled Madison Square Garden time after time.

With no Coghlan on the scene in the years that followed his brilliant career at Villanova University, and then as an international runner – and finally as a Masters runner (he ran 3:58.15 at age 41 in 1994) – indoor track’s status as a spectator sport began a downward spiral and would eventually prove untenable at Madison Square Garden and other big-city arenas.

Although the scene of many epic races, the Garden’s 11-laps-to-the-mile banked board track was clearly slower than the 200-meter built-for-speed oval by then installed at The Armory in Washington Heights.

Still, many speculated that the Millrose Games’ inevitable move uptown to The Armory in 2012 represented the death knell of both the Millrose meet and its always-spotlighted Wanamaker Mile.

Fortunately, not Dr. Norbert Sander, the late-great visionary whose incredible efforts restructured The Armory from homeless shelter to brilliant center of world-class track and field activity. And, fortunately, not Eamonn Coghlan, the Flying Irishman and runner most identified with the glory years of the Millrose Games and Wanamaker Mile at Madison Square Garden (with his eighth Wanamaker Mile win in 2010, Bernard Lagat bested Coghlan’s total of seven;  Coghlan’s quickest at Millrose was 3:53.0 in 1981,Lagat’s 3:52.87 in 2005).

Yet another tradition, in the years since his last race, is a Coghlan visit from “across the pond" to the Millrose meet.

Thus, the former Irish senator was on hand as a celebrated guest at The Armory for the 111th edition of what is now the NYRR Millrose Games on this first Saturday of February 2018.

And as the honorary starter of the NYRR Wanamaker Mile, triggering the start of the 12-man race, slightly more than eight full Armory laps.

Rabbit Riley Masters did his job through 800 meters (1:56.86), before Scotsman and British Olympian Chris O’Hare, the former U.S. collegiate star at Tulsa, took over and the real running began.  Much as Coghlan did in his heyday – with his famed “one move and one move only” – this was the only move O’Hare would need.

He was never headed, going on to a 3:54.14 victory over five more under four minutes – fast-closing Josh Kerr (3:54.72), another Brit; Ben Blankenship (3:54.77), Charlie Grice (3:56.47), Nick Willis (3:57.72) and Kyle Merber (3:57.75.)

U.S. collegian Robert Domanic of Mississippi (4:06.02) was the final finisher and then it was time for Coghlan to  analyze the whole scene.

“It’s an honor just being here, at the 111th NYRR Millrose Games, and to be part of that history going back all those years,” he told you.

“We’ve had a fantastic NYRR Wanamaker Mile here tonight.

“Nobody was willing to go out with Chris O’Hare, as he was making sure he’d be part of that Wanamaker Mile tradition, too. 

“Most important, it’s wonderful to see The Armory hosting the event.

“Seven years ago, they thought it was going to die when it left the Garden, and I’m really so proud of the job they’re doing here now.  Now, I think it’s going to last forever.

“In terms of the crowd participation (The Armory was sold out to its 5,550 capacity) and the noise I heard, standing in the middle of that arena there as they ran that NYRR Wanamaker Mile, it was exactly the same (as Madison Square Garden.)

“I tell you, they were going berserk, there was no difference whatsoever. No question whatsoever.

“Chris O’Hare, he’s a good lad, he’s a Scottish lad, there’s no reason why he can’t be up there when they’re passing out the medals (i.e., Olympic Games and World Championships.)

“He’s relatively young and he’s tough mentally.

“But he’s got to stop looking around on that last lap.

“I know he wanted to win it really bad.”

As Coghlan himself did, in 1977 (4:00.2), 1979 (3:55.0), 1980 (3:58.2), 1981 (3:53.0), 1983 (3:54.4), 1985 (3:53.82) and 1987 (3:55.91.)

NYRR Millrose Games Quotables

Emma Coburn, 2nd in Fred Lebow Women's 3000 with 8:41.16: "In steeplechase, we have visual items to break up the race, this is just about grinding. Ayesha and I had a plan going in that if the rabbit didn't take us through, we would work together. We do it in practice where we're neck-in-neck. She ran a beautiful race. When Ayessha wins, I win. We're very, very close friends."

Donovan Brazier,2nd in Mel Sheppard Men's 800 with 1:45.35: "I didn't think this race was going to be that fast! I thought me running 1:45 would win it! Would have been nice to go a little faster, but I'm happy with my time."

Emmanuel Korir,  1st in Mel Sheppard Men's 800 with 1:44.21: "I thought I did good. I am ready to run faster, and I am still training to run faster. I am pushing for 1:42. Aiming for my Gold record."

Lolo Jones, 7th in Howard Schmertz Women's 60m Hurdles with 8.37: "I did terrible! Good to get it under my belt though.”

Ronnie Baker, 1st in Joe Yancey Men's 60m Dash with 6.48: "Pretty good, I love the Millrose atmosphere, I've never been to the Armory before. Feels great to be able to open up the season at 6.48."

Karissa Schweizer, 4th in Fred Lebow Women's 3000 with 8:41.60: "Feels amazing, wasn't expecting that, I was competitive, knew I would take a fast past. Taking the lead wasn't the plan, but I just went for it!"

Gabrielle Wilkinson, 1st in New Balance Invitational Junior Girls' Mile with 4:42.94: "I worked very hard and all the work I put in paid off."

Colleen Quigley, 1st in Women's NYRR Wanamaker Mile with 4:30.05: "I've never broken tape before! And I've never run on the track before at the Armory. Was so exciting!"

Kate Grace, 2nd in Women's NYRR Wanamaker Mile with 4:30.08: "At the end I thought I could nip her, but looking back, I should have gone sooner. It's always good to learn. This was a tough race. It sucks not winning, but it's a reason to come back!"

Chris O'Hare, 1st in Men's NYRR Wanamaker Mile with 3:54.14: "Lots of people come from far to watch and cheer me on, so it's huge to perform and do so well having come so far."

Vashti Cunningham, 1st in John Thomas Women’s High Jump with 6’ 5”: "This was a really big confidence builder for me. This offseason has been slow for me, but glory to God for letting me come out here and have a good meet. To train, I've been lifting heavier than I had been, doing hills, and trying to get my form right."

Meet Director Ray Flynn Serves Up Incredible ‘Top 10 List’ For 111th NYRR Millrose Games

The 111th NYRR Millrose Games will feature 52 Olympians, 7 Olympic champions and 7 World Champions competing on Saturday, February 3 at The Armory’s New Balance Track & Field Center in Washington Heights.

Ray Flynn, the NYRR Millrose Games Meet Director for the past seven years, anticipates plenty of unique story lines from the 111th NYRR Millrose Games edition. Ray has come up with his “Top 10 to Watch” list for Saturday’s schedule of events from 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. ET:

1. Will we see another high school athlete break 4 minutes in the mile? Watch as Brodey Hasty (Nashville) attempts to become the next one in the Men's Invitational Mile.

2. Can American Sandi Morris finally break the Millrose jinx and topple Greece’s Katerina Stefanidi in the John & Margo Catsimatidis Women’s Pole Vault? Stefanidi and Morris won gold and silver respectively at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

3. Olympian Lolo Jones returns to the track in the Howard Schmertz Women’s 60m Hurdles after just missing out on making the U.S. Bobsled team for the 2018 Winter Olympics. How will she respond?

4. In Saturday’s Fred Schmertz Men’s 60m Hurdles, World Record Holder (110mH) Aries Merritt returns to top form following his battle with a rare kidney disease that saw him receive a kidney transplant from his sister in late 2015.

5. Can anyone defeat the great Jamaican sprint Olympic gold medalist Asafa Powell in the Joe Yancey Men’s 60m?

6. In the John Thomas Women’s High Jump, look for 20-year-old Vashti Cunningham to attack the 1.96m (6’5”) barrier. The second year professional is already a World Indoor Champion (2016) at the event. Cunningham is also the daughter of former Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro quarterback Randall Cunningham, who will be here Saturday night.

7. Can local star Lalonde Gordon win on his home track in the NYAC Men’s 400m? The Trinidadian became a gold medalist this summer in London as a member of the 4x400m relay.

8. North Rockland High School sophomore sensation Katelyn Tuohy, just set the national HS record for 5k. Will she break 4.40 for the mile Saturday night in the New Balance Girls High School Mile?

9. On Saturday night we will see a World Indoor Record attempt in the Jack & Lewis Rudin Women’s 4x800m Relay by the U.S. quartet of Crishuna Williams, Raevyn Rogers, Charlene Lipsey and Ajee’ Wilson.

10. No high school boy who has won the mile at the NYRR Millrose Games has ever gone on to win the NYRR Wanamaker Men’s Mile. On Saturday we could see it happen as either Kyle Merber or Robby Andrews could become the first in history to do so!

To get up-to-date 111th NYRR Millrose Saturday fields, please click HERE.

The 111th NYRR Millrose Games can be seen on USATF.TV from 11:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.  on Saturday and will be televised live by NBC from 4-6 p.m. There also is the USATF Cool Down show beginning at 6 p.m.

Fans can watch the meet for free at the NYRR Millrose Games viewing party from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the NYRR Run Center.  

 

Olympic High Jumpers Vashti Cunningham, Inika McPherson Ready for Liftoff In John Thomas Women’s High Jump At 111th NYRR Millrose Games at The Armory

Great heights will be reached in Washington Heights during the John Thomas Women’s High Jump at the 111th NYRR Millrose Games on February 3 at The Armory’s New Balance Track & Field Center.

Olympian and 2016 IAAF World Indoor High Jump champion Vashti Cunningham joins fellow 2016 USA Olympian and amazing soaring sensation Inika McPherson in a much-anticipated high jump duel to be part of the national NBC Sports live coverage from 4-6 p.m.

In 2016, Cunningham jumped 6’-6” to win the United States Championship which became the top jump in the world that year and a World Junior Record.  In the Rio Olympics, Cunningham finished 13th overall and last year was a finalist in the World Championships.

“I’m really excited to be jumping in the upcoming NYRR Millrose Games and my first time ever in The Armory,” said Vashti Cunningham, who turned 20 earlier this month.

Her father is the former Philadelphia Eagles’ All-Pro quarterback Randall Cunningham and her brother Randall Cunningham II is a current three-time All-American at the University of Southern Cal and NCAA Outdoor Champion in the high jump.

She’ll be challenged by McPherson, who is a two-time qualifier for the World Outdoor and Indoor Championships, and, who at just 5’4” tall, has amazingly cleared 6’6”. No woman in history has ever jumped higher above her own height than McPherson.

The field also includes Priscilla Frederick, born in Queens, NY and a Pan American Games silver medalist as the National High School Champion local star Jenna Rogers from Rutherford, New Jersey.

This event is named to honor the late John Thomas, whose high-jump skills earned him a spot in the United States Track & Field Hall of Fame. As a 17-year-old freshman at Boston University, Thomas soared over the 7-foot mark indoors to become the first man to achieve that feat indoors. The Olympian also broke the world outdoor record three times with his highest being 7’-3 ¾”.

To purchase tickets for the 111th NYRR Millrose Games CLICK HERE.