Justyn Knight, Ajeé Wilson and Wadeline Jonathas Continue Winning Ways During 3rd Annual Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge at The Armory

New York, NY (January 25, 2020) – Track & field young stars Justyn Knight, Ajeé Wilson and Wadeline Jonathas continued their winning ways Saturday during the third annual Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge at the Armory New Balance Track & Field Center.

Wilson, the American 800m record holder and two-time world championship medalist from Neptune, N.J., found her fast gear halfway during the Women’s 800m to take the lead and cross the finish line with a winning time of 2:02.33 just ahead of Olivia Baker’s 2:02.98.

“We didn’t have any expectations,” Wilson said, “I just raced. I’m running three races this year: today, Millrose and Nationals. I just take things one race at a time and one day at a time.”

Jonathas, who at age 21 finished 4th in last year’s World Championships in the 400m, ran a 51.71 to hold off Trenton, New Jersey high-school running sensation Athing Mu in the Women’s 400m.

Mu, who recently signed with Texas A&M and the national 500m and 600m national record holder, finished runner-up with a 53.14 time.

Jonathas, whose star continues to shine with each performance, said: “This is all happening so fast and unexpectedly.”

Knight took a break from running his usual longer distances and used a strong finishing kick to win the Men’s Mile. Knight, the 2018 NCAA 5,000m indoor champion and 2017 NCAA Cross Country champion at Syracuse, won with a 3:59.32 time. Rob Napolitano was on his heels with a 3:59.68 time.

Knight crossed the finish line with his arms spread.

“I didn’t feel like I unleashed it fully,” said Knight with a smile about his final lap. “I did just enough to secure the wind. (The arms spread) was just for Instagram and I apologized to Rob.

“I really love the mile because when you’re in high school and college, everyone loves to run the mile.”

Speaking of the mile, 25-year-old World Athletic Championships finalist Nikki Hiltz ran nearly a flawless race to claim the Women’s mile. She led most of the way en route to a 4:29.39 and held off BYU’s Whittni Orton, who finished in 4:29.76.

Hiltz will return to The Armory on February 8th to run in the NYRR Millrose Games’ Women’s NYRR Wanamaker Mile. Joining Hiltz at the Millrose Games will be Wilson (Jack & Lewis Rudin Women’s 800m), Knight (Men’s 3,000m) and Jonathas (Women’s 400m).

“I’m looking forward to being back here for the Millrose Games and this was good practice for sure,” Hiltz said. “It’s an Olympic year and I want to make sure I do everything right and do everything right for the Olympic Trials. This was my first official sub-4:30 on the track and that’s hard to do.”

Hiltz wasn’t done running following her latest triumph. She was the pace runner for one of the day’s most-anticipated races, the Women’s 3,000m that featured 2014 Women’s NYRR Wanamaker Mile winner Mary Cain and three-time Nike Cross Nationals high school champion Katelyn Tuohy, both from the New York area. Cain is making a comeback in track & field, while Tuohy is a senior at North Rockland High School and on her way to North Carolina State next fall.

Cain and Tuohy finished in the back of the pack with times of 9:24.38 and 9:32.88, respectively.  Nicole Hutchinson of Canada won the 15-woman field that also included last year’s champion Amanada Eccleston and former NCAA champion Emily Lipari.  Hutchinson, a 2019 All-American at Villanova, turned in a personal best 8:48.92 for the win.

“Coming back may take a while,” Cain said afterward. “Don’t get me wrong, I would have liked to have won. This is not what my year is about. My year is about outdoor”.

Cain added, “I know how challenging it is. Today was my first meet and I felt a great camaraderie. The really great thing today was lining up on that line and being back in the race.”

For all results of the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge please click HERE.

Honoring the memory of Dr. Norbert Sander Jr, the beloved founder of The Armory Foundation, the event was the perfect preview for the 113th NYRR Millrose Games, which will take place February 8 at The Armory. To learn more about the NYRR Millrose Games please go to www.nyrrmillrosegames.org.

This week’s three-day meet also spotlighted many of the nation’s premier college programs, including Columbia, Brigham Young, Penn State, Wisconsin, UCLA, Princeton, South Carolina and many more.

For more information on Dr. Sander-Columbia Challenge please go to www.ArmoryTrack.com.

Follow The Armory on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @armorynyc, or go to ArmoryTrack.com or Armory.NYC.

About The Armory Foundation

The Armory Foundation is a New York City non-profit institution, with the mission of "Keeping Kids on Track." Each season The Armory – the proud home of the NYRR Millrose Games – hosts more than 100 track & field meets and welcomes more than 220,000 athlete visits. Among its many youth sports and educational programs, including the acclaimed Armory College Prep program, The Armory runs the leading collegiate indoor track meet with the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge, and also hosts the largest high school indoor track meets with this year's 26th U. S. Air Force Hispanic Games, The New Balance Games, the New Balance Nationals Indoors, the Energice Coaches Hall of Fame, Marine Corp Holiday Classic and the Colgate Games.  The Armory also runs the Columbia & NewYork-Presbyterian Indoor Marathon presented by New York Road Runners, which is the world’s largest indoor marathon relay. The Armory is also the home to the National Track & Field Hall of Fame and dozens of very large education-focused events. For more: Please visit Armory.NYC and ArmoryTrack.com.

Listen to Interviews with Donavan Brazier & Nia Ali ahead of 113th NYRR Millrose Games

World Champion Gold Medalist & 800m American Record-Holder Donavan Brazier and Olympic Silver Medalist (100m Hurdles) & 2-time World Indoor Champion (60m Hurdles) Nia Ali each spoke to Sports Byline USA’s Rick Tittle. Both will compete at this year’s NYRR Millrose Games on Saturday, February 8th.

Listen to Donavan Brazier’s interview. | Listen to Nia Ali’s interview.

International Medalists and National Record-Holders to Headline Women’s NYRR Wanamaker Mile at 113th NYRR Millrose Games on February 8

United States’ Elinor Purrier and Nikki Hiltz, Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen, and Canada’s Gabriela DeBues-Stafford to race world’s most prestigious indoor mile at The Armory

New York, January 23, 2020 – Defending champion and world championship medalist Konstanze Klosterhalfen of Germany, former NCAA champion Elinor Purrier, Canadian record-holder Gabriela DeBues-Stafford, and Pan American Games champion Nikki Hiltz of the United States will lead the NYRR Wanamaker Mile women’s field at the 113th NYRR Millrose Games on Saturday, February 8 at The Armory’s New Balance Track and Field Center.

The signature event at the NYRR Millrose Games has taken place every year on the women’s side since 1976 and will be broadcast live nationally on NBC for the fourth consecutive year from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. ET, in addition to streamed live online on NBC Sports Gold.

“This year’s women’s NYRR Wanamaker Mile will feature some of the sport’s biggest rising international stars, including Konstanze, Elinor, Gabriela, and Nikki, who will headline a world-class field,” said NYRR Millrose Games Meet Director Ray Flynn. “We are excited to fill The Armory and cheer on these tremendous athletes.”

Klosterhalfen led the NYRR Wanamaker Mile from wire-to-wire last year, winning the race in 4:19.98 and breaking a 31-year-old German national record in the process. She went on to win a bronze medal over 5000 meters at the IAAF World Championships in Doha in October. The 22-year-old, who competed at the Rio 2016 Olympics, is the indoor German national record holder over one mile, 1500 meters, 3000 meters, and 5000 meters.

“I'm happy to be back in here to race the NYRR Wanamaker Mile again,” said Klosterhalfen. “Last year was my first time in New York and the atmosphere was great. I hope it'll be a good start into my 2020 season.”

Purrier was the runner-up at the 2019 New Balance Fifth Avenue Mile and represented the U.S. at the 2019 world championships, qualifying for the final in the 5000 meters. She was an 11-time All-American at the University of New Hampshire, where she won the 2018 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in the women’s mile.

“The first time I ever ran in the NYRR Wanamaker Mile was when I was in college and it has been a special race to me ever since,” Purrier said. “It was the first time I had the chance to compete on such a big stage and against some of the world's best runners. It was one of the best opportunities I was given as a young emerging runner and certainly was a building block that helped establish my career. Now, as I represent New Balance, and return to the start line I feel very excited for this opportunity once again. Being invited to the NYRR Wanamaker Mile is a great privilege as it is one of the most pristine, competitive, and fun indoor races.”

DeBues-Stafford is the Canadian record-holder in the 1500 meters, mile, and 5000 meters, and finished sixth last year in the 1500 meters at the World Athletics Championships, smashing her own national record in the process. She represented her country at the Rio 2016 Olympics and the last two World Athletics Indoor Championships, and has won four consecutive national 1500-meter titles.

Hiltz represented the U.S. at the world championships last year after winning gold over 1500 meters at the Pan American Games. She also secured victories at the BAA Mile, Adidas Boost Games Mile, and the USATF Road Mile Championships. In her last trip to New York, she finished fourth at the 2019 New Balance Fifth Avenue Mile.

The NYRR Wanamaker Mile men’s field was announced earlier this month and will be headlined by Olympian and 2018 champion Chris O’Hare of Great Britain, 2017 champion Eric Jenkins of the United States, four-time Olympian Nick Willis of New Zealand, and world championship medalist Filip Ingebrigtsen of Norway.

Robby Andrews, a 2016 Olympian, and Robert Domanic have been added to the NYRR Wanamaker Mile men’s field with Johnny Gregorek, Charlie Grice, Morgan McDonald and Josh Kerr no longer competing in the event.

The NYRR Millrose Games highlights the year-round partnership between The Armory Foundation, which oversees the premier indoor track and field center in America, and New York Road Runners, the world’s largest community running organization.

For more information on the NYRR Millrose Games and to purchase tickets, please visit www.nyrrmillrosegames.org.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners.  To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

About The Armory Foundation
The Armory Foundation is a New York City non-profit institution, with the mission of "Keeping Kids on Track." Each season The Armory – the proud home of the NYRR Millrose Games – hosts more than 100 track & field meets and welcomes more than 220,000 athlete visits. Among its many youth sports and educational programs, including the acclaimed Armory College Prep program, The Armory runs the leading collegiate indoor track meet with the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge, and also hosts the largest high school indoor track meets with this year's 26th U. S. Air Force Hispanic Games, The New Balance Games, the New Balance Nationals Indoors, the Energice Coaches Hall of Fame, Marine Corp Holiday Classic and the Colgate Games.  The Armory also runs the Columbia & NewYork – Presbyterian Indoor Marathon presented by New York Road Runners, which is the world’s largest indoor marathon relay. The Armory is also the home to the National Track & Field Hall of Fame and dozens of very large education-focused events. For more: Please visit Armory.NYC and ArmoryTrack.com.

The 113th NYRR Millrose Games Features World-Class Athletes Who Return to the Starting Line of Their Youth at The Armory

Photos by John Nepolitan.

NEW YORK, January 21, 2020 – The Armory and New York City continue to pave the way for track & field athletes to the NYRR Millrose Games. A long legacy of athletic talent hailing from the Big Apple and Metropolitan area will play a major role in the February 8th 113th NYRR Millrose Games at The Armory New Balance Track & Field Center.

“The Armory has given thousands of kids from the New York and New Jersey schools the opportunity to develop on the fast track,” NYRR Millrose Games Meet Director Ray Flynn said. “It is fitting to see many of those same athletes now return as the stars of the NYRR Millrose Games.”

Here are some local names to watch for at next month’s most recognized indoor track & field meet:

• Ajeé Wilson (Neptune, NJ; Women’s 800m): Wilson is the defending NYRR Millrose Jack & Lewis Rudin Women’s 800m champion, as well as a two-time World Athletics Championships medalist and the 800m indoor and outdoor American record-holder. Wilson is coached by Derek Thompson, who Wilson has been with since her prep school days in New Jersey. Wilson, who has many signature wins at The Armory and is considered an Armory fan favorite, will defend her NYRR Millrose title against a field that includes Laura Muir and Natoya Goule.

• Rai Benjamin (Mt. Vernon, NY; Men’s 300m): At the 2019 World Championships, Benjamin won the silver medal in the 400m hurdles, before running a leg on the gold medal-winning 4x400m relay team. He is also one of only four men in history to break 47 seconds in the hurdles. Benjamin starred at Mt. Vernon High School, winning numerous championships at The Armory. He will return to the facility by headlining the 300m.

• Robby Andrews (Manalapan Township, NJ; Men’s NYRR Wanamaker Mile): Andrews is the 2017 national champion in the 1500m and the 2011 NCAA champion in the 800m. While in high school, Andrews set national records at The Armory in both the 800m and 1,000m, the latter stands to this day. Andrews will compete in the NYRR Millrose Games’ signature event, the men’s NYRR Wanamaker Mile.

• Deajah Stevens (Queens, NY, Mt. Vernon, NY and New Rochelle, NY; Women’s 60m): Stevens is a 2016 Olympian and the 2017 national champion in the 200m. She was an eight-time All-American while competing for the University of Oregon. Stevens ran at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens, winning three New York state championships and enjoyed much success at The Armory. She will go up against Felix, English Gardner and Teahna Daniels in the 60m.

All four of these athletes can trace their roots in track & field to the New York City area, and many other athletes taking part in the NYRR Millrose Games have previously raced at The Armory, whether in the New Balance Nationals Indoor or at other competitions. The NYRR Millrose Games aims to uphold the proud legacy of track and field in the nation’s largest city, and The Armory Foundation is proud to partner with NYRR in this effort.

The NYRR Millrose Games is the most storied event in indoor track and field. Stay tuned for more announcements, as the remaining athletes and fields for this year’s event will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Already announced is six-time Olympic gold medalist and 13-time world champion Allyson Felix competing in the women’s 60m and a thrilling shot-put duel between 2016 Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser and 2019 World Championships gold medalist Joe Kovacs, as well as:

• An amazing men’s 60m hurdles that includes world champion Grant Holloway, Olympic champion Omar McLeod, defending NYRR Millrose Games champion Devon Allen and outdoor national champion Daniel Roberts.

• Olympian and 2018 champion Chris O’Hare of Great Britain, 2017 champion Eric Jenkins of the United States, four-time Olympian Nick Willis of New Zealand, and world championship medalist Filip Ingebrigtsen of Norway who all will headline a talented NYRR Wanamaker Mile men’s field;

• World champion and American record-holder Donavan Brazier and defending NYRR Millrose Games champion and NCAA record-holder Michael Saruni in the men’s 800m;

• World record-holder Keni Harrison, who will open her season in the 60m hurdles;

• Newly-crowned NCAA Cross Country champions Edwin Kurgat (Iowa State University), Weini Kelati (University of New Mexico) in the men’s and women’s 3,000m respectively, along with 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalist Paul Tanui and women’s defending NYRR Millrose Games champion Alicia Monson (University of Wisconsin).

The Millrose Games moved to The Armory’s New Balance Track & Field Center 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 – features track and field’s most prolific male and female stars as well as collegiate, high school, club and youth competitors.

More than 200 athletes share the distinction of being both Millrose and Olympic champions. In November of 2013, the New York Road Runners became the title sponsor of the NYRR Millrose Games, which is owned by The Armory Foundation. The NYRR Millrose Games is a USATF television series event, and The Armory Foundation appreciates the support of USA Track & Field.

The Armory Foundation is proud to host the dozens of Olympians and world champions who will test their talents once more at The Armory. With highest-level competition at the youth, high school, collegiate, club and professional levels, there is truly something for everyone at the NYRR Millrose Games.

Stay tuned throughout January to see which athletes will attempt to top last year’s feats, as fields for each event will be announced on a rolling schedule.

For more information on the upcoming NYRR Millrose Games or to purchase tickets please Visit www.nyrrmillrosegames.org or call 212-923-1803 x7200 to buy tickets. 

Follow The Armory on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @armorynyc, or go to ArmoryTrack.com or Armory.NYC.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners.  To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

About The Armory Foundation

The Armory Foundation is a New York City non-profit institution, with the mission of "Keeping Kids on Track." Each season The Armory – the proud home of the NYRR Millrose Games – hosts more than 100 track & field meets and welcomes more than 220,000 athlete visits. Among its many youth sports and educational programs, including the acclaimed Armory College Prep program, The Armory runs the leading collegiate indoor track meet with the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge, and also hosts the largest high school indoor track meets with this year's 26th U. S. Air Force Hispanic Games, The New Balance Games, the New Balance Nationals Indoors, the Energice Coaches Hall of Fame, Marine Corp Holiday Classic and the Colgate Games.  The Armory also runs the Columbia & NewYork – Presbyterian Indoor Marathon presented by New York Road Runners, which is the world’s largest indoor marathon relay. The Armory is also the home to the National Track & Field Hall of Fame and dozens of very large education-focused events. For more: Please visit Armory.NYC and ArmoryTrack.com.

World Champion Grant Holloway, Olympic Champion Omar McLeod Ready to Soar at The Armory in 113th NYRR Millrose Games

Grant Holloway (left) and Omar McLeod headline a superb men’s 60m hurdles field at the 113th NYRR Millrose Games.  Photos by John Nepolitan

NEW YORK, January 15, 2020 – World champion Grant Holloway, Olympic champion Omar McLeod, defending NYRR Millrose Games champion Devon Allen and outdoor national champion Daniel Roberts will be a part of a spectacular men’s 60m hurdles showdown during the 113th NYRR Millrose Games on February 8 at The Armory New Balance Track & Field Center.

“I’m really looking forward to running my first professional indoor competition at the NYRR Millrose Games on February 8,” Holloway said. “It’s an event that has such a long history of world class track and field athletes. It’s a pleasure to be invited to compete.”

Holloway is the man of the moment in the sprint hurdles, following a dream 2019 season that ended with him standing atop the world podium in Doha. The University of Florida product became the first collegiate athlete to dip under 13 seconds in the 110m hurdles, running 12.98 at the NCAA Championships to cap off an utterly dominant collegiate career. Holloway then turned professional, finishing second at the USA Championships before stunning everyone at World Athletic Championships, running 13.10 to claim the gold medal.

One of the men who he shocked was McLeod, the Jamaican athlete who previously dominated the hurdles. McLeod won Olympic gold in Rio by a huge margin and backed that up a year later by running faster in London en route to winning the 2017 World Championships. With a 110m-hurdle personal best of 12.90, McLeod is the fifth-fastest man in history and is the only man to break both 13 seconds in the hurdles and 10 seconds in the 100m dash. Only 25, McLeod will be looking to reclaim his title from Holloway in 2020 as Millrose could set the stage for the sport’s next great rivalry.

Allen will return to The Armory to defend his Millrose crown. The former University of Oregon standout is a four-time national champion, as well as a two-time NCAA champion. Allen placed fifth at the Rio Olympics and is focused to improve in 2020.

Daniel Roberts, the defending outdoor national champion, is also in this amazing field. Holloway’s chief NCAA rival. Roberts, who competed at the University of Kentucky, pushed Holloway to the line at the NCAA Championships when he finished second in 13.00 in a memorable race. Roberts earned his revenge at the USA Championships a few weeks later, edging Holloway to claim the title. The Southeastern Conference duo will renew their rivalry at Millrose.

Rounding out the field is Freddie Crittenden. The former Syracuse star was second at Millrose last year following photo finish after running 7.61, which was identical to Allen’s winning time. Crittenden captured a silver medal at the Pan American Games.

The NYRR Millrose Games is the most storied event in indoor track and field. Stay tuned for more announcements, as the remaining athletes and fields for this year’s event will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Already announced is six-time Olympic gold medalist and 13-time world champion Allyson Felix competing in the women’s 60m and a thrilling shot-put duel between 2016 Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser and 2019 World Championships gold medalist Joe Kovacs, as well as:

●American-record holder Ajeé Wilson, who returns to defend her title in the Jack and Lewis Rudin Women’s 800m;

● Olympian and 2018 champion Chris O’Hare of Great Britain, 2017 champion Eric Jenkins of the United States, four-time Olympian Nick Willis of New Zealand, and world championship medalist Filip Ingebrigtsen of Norway who all will headline a talented NYRR Wanamaker Mile men’s field;

● World champion and American record-holder Donavan Brazier and defending NYRR Millrose Games champion and NCAA record-holder Michael Saruni in the men’s 800m;

● World record-holder Keni Harrison, who will open her season in the 60m hurdles;

● Newly-crowned NCAA Cross Country champions Edwin Kurgat (Iowa State University), Weini Kelati (University of New Mexico) in the men’s and women’s 3,000m respectively, along with 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalist Paul Tanui and women’s defending NYRR Millrose Games champion Alicia Monson (University of Wisconsin). 

The Millrose Games moved to The Armory’s New Balance Track & Field Center 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 – features track and field’s most prolific male and female stars as well as collegiate, high school, club and youth competitors.

More than 200 athletes share the distinction of being both Millrose and Olympic champions. In November of 2013, the New York Road Runners became the title sponsor of the NYRR Millrose Games, which is owned by The Armory Foundation. The NYRR Millrose Games is a USATF television series event, and The Armory Foundation appreciates the support of USA Track & Field.

The Armory Foundation is proud to host the dozens of Olympians and world champions who will test their talents once more at The Armory. With highest-level competition at the youth, high school, collegiate, club and professional levels, there is truly something for everyone at the NYRR Millrose Games.

Stay tuned throughout January to see which athletes will attempt to top last year’s feats, as fields for each event will be announced on a rolling schedule.

For more information on the upcoming NYRR Millrose Games or to purchase tickets please Visit www.nyrrmillrosegames.org or call 212-923-1803 x7200 to buy tickets.

Follow The Armory on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @armorynyc, or go to ArmoryTrack.com or Armory.NYC.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners.  To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

About The Armory Foundation

The Armory Foundation is a New York City non-profit institution, with the mission of "Keeping Kids on Track." Each season The Armory – the proud home of the NYRR Millrose Games – hosts more than 100 track & field meets and welcomes more than 220,000 athlete visits. Among its many youth sports and educational programs, including the acclaimed Armory College Prep program, The Armory runs the leading collegiate indoor track meet with the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge, and also hosts the largest high school indoor track meets with this year's 26th U. S. Air Force Hispanic Games, The New Balance Games, the New Balance Nationals Indoors, the Energice Coaches Hall of Fame, Marine Corp Holiday Classic and the Colgate Games.  The Armory also runs the Columbia & NewYork – Presbyterian Indoor Marathon presented by New York Road Runners, which is the world’s largest indoor marathon relay. The Armory is also the home to the National Track & Field Hall of Fame and dozens of very large education-focused events. For more: Please visit Armory.NYC and ArmoryTrack.com.

American-Record Holder Ajeé Wilson Returning to Jack and Lewis Rudin Women’s 800m during 113th NYRR Millrose Games at The Armory

Ajeé Wilson during her American record-setting performance last year to win the NYRR Millrose Games’ Jack and Lewis Rudin Women’s 800m at The Armory New Balance Track & Field Center. Photo by Ross Dettman

NEW YORK, January 14, 2020 – Defending champion and American record-holder Ajeé Wilson is set for another magical run in the Jack and Lewis Rudin Women’s 800m during the 113th NYRR Millrose Games to take place February 8 at The Armory New Balance Track & Field Center.

Wilson will be tested by an accomplished field that includes multiple European and Diamond League champion Laura Muir.

“'The Armory track is one of my favorite places to compete,” Wilson said, “and I am really excited to be coming back to defend my Millrose Games title.”

Wilson, a New Jersey native, is no stranger to the bright lights of the NYRR Millrose Games.

Last year she set the American 800m indoor record of 1:58.60 on her way to a victory. In 2018 she anchored Team USA to the 4x800m world record at the Millrose Games.

Wilson made her case as the top 800m runner in the world last season. She dominated the international circuit en route to her first Diamond League title, before earning a second World Athletics Championship medal – a bronze in Doha, Qatar. 

A nine-time U.S. champion and the American record holder indoors and outdoors, Wilson is clearly focused on Olympic gold in Tokyo. Millrose will be an important stop on that journey.

Wilson will be up against arguably the strongest Millrose women’s 800m field, largely thanks to the presence of Muir. While the Scottish athlete is best-known for her exploits over 1500m – the distance in which she claimed Diamond League titles in 2016 and 2018 – her range stretches from 800m all the way to 5,000m. Muir is consistently one of the world’s best indoor runners, winning double gold at the last two editions of the European Indoor Championships, while adding silver and bronze at the 2018 World Indoor Championships.

Eyes will also be on Jamaican standout Natoya Goule, last year’s Millrose runner-up and the 2019 Pan-American Games champion. Goule’s outdoor personal best of 1:56.15 is second in the field behind only Wilson, and she finished sixth in the World Championship final this past October.

Other athletes to watch in the Jack and Lewis Rudin Women’s 800m include Britain’s Shelayna Oskan-Clarke and American Ce′Aira Brown.

Oskan-Clarke is coming off a successful 2019 season when she claimed victories at the European Indoor Championships and the British Championships outdoors.

Brown battled injuries for much of last year after posting a breakout season in 2018, but persevered. She reached the World Championship final in Doha, where she placed eighth. Brown recorded a season’s best during last year’s NYRR Millrose Games, finishing third in 1:59.74.

This marks the second consecutive year the Rudin Family has sponsored the women’s 800m at the NYRR Millrose Games.

The Rudin family has a long and distinguished history supporting the sport of running and New York City. During the 111th NYRR Millrose Games the Rudin family sponsored the women’s 4x800 relay which culminated in a world record.

“We are excited to be a part of the NYRR Millrose Games at The Armory again this year,” said Eric and Bill Rudin. “We loved seeing Ajeé Wilson set the record in last year’s Jack and Lewis Rudin Women's 800m and we are excited to watch what promises to be one of the best races of the 113th edition. Our fathers were extremely devoted to New York City and the sport of running and sponsoring this event in their names is a fitting tribute.”

The NYRR Millrose Games is the most storied event in indoor track and field. Stay tuned for more announcements, as the remaining athletes and fields for this year’s event will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Already announced is six-time Olympic gold medalist and 13-time world champion Allyson Felix competing in the women’s 60m and a thrilling shot-put duel between 2016 Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser and 2019 World Championships gold medalist Joe Kovacs, as well as:

● Olympian and 2018 champion Chris O’Hare of Great Britain, 2017 champion Eric Jenkins of the United States, four-time Olympian Nick Willis of New Zealand, and world championship medalist Filip Ingebrigtsen of Norway who all will headline a talented NYRR Wanamaker Mile men’s field;

● World champion and American record-holder Donavan Brazier and defending NYRR Millrose Games champion and NCAA record-holder Michael Saruni in the men’s 800m;

● World record-holder Keni Harrison, who will open her season in the 60m hurdles;

● Newly-crowned NCAA Cross Country champions Edwin Kurgat (Iowa State University), Weini Kelati (University of New Mexico) in the men’s and women’s 3,000m respectively, along with 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalist Paul Tanui and women’s defending NYRR Millrose Games champion Alicia Monson (University of Wisconsin). 

The Millrose Games moved to The Armory’s New Balance Track & Field Center 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 – features track and field’s most prolific male and female stars as well as collegiate, high school, club and youth competitors.

More than 200 athletes share the distinction of being both Millrose and Olympic champions. In November of 2013, the New York Road Runners became the title sponsor of the NYRR Millrose Games, which is owned by The Armory Foundation. The NYRR Millrose Games is a USATF television series event, and The Armory Foundation appreciates the support of USA Track & Field.

The Armory Foundation is proud to host the dozens of Olympians and world champions who will test their talents once more at The Armory. With highest-level competition at the youth, high school, collegiate, club and professional levels, there is truly something for everyone at the NYRR Millrose Games.

Stay tuned throughout January to see which athletes will attempt to top last year’s feats, as fields for each event will be announced on a rolling schedule.

For more information on the upcoming NYRR Millrose Games or to purchase tickets please Visit www.nyrrmillrosegames.org or call 212-923-1803 x7200 to buy tickets.

Follow The Armory on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @armorynyc, or go to ArmoryTrack.com or Armory.NYC.

About the Rudin Family

The Rudin Family has long supported running in New York City and is best known for the Samuel Rudin Trophy, presented since 1976 to the winning male and female runners in the TCS New York City Marathon. Samuel Rudin was an accomplished runner and member of the Class of 1918 at City College, not far from The Armory in Washington Heights where the Millrose Games takes place. His sons, Jack and Lewis, honored their late father by becoming the first sponsors of the five borough New York City Marathon. Now their sons, Eric and Bill, along with their children and grandchildren, carry on this tradition by sponsoring the Women’s 800m in memory of Jack and Lewis at the 113th NYRR Millrose Games. The Rudin Family’s real estate holdings are comprised of 16 office towers with more than 10 million square feet of Class A space, and 18 apartment buildings, all in New York City. 

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners.  To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

About The Armory Foundation

The Armory Foundation is a New York City non-profit institution, with the mission of "Keeping Kids on Track." Each season The Armory – the proud home of the NYRR Millrose Games – hosts more than 100 track & field meets and welcomes more than 220,000 athlete visits. Among its many youth sports and educational programs, including the acclaimed Armory College Prep program, The Armory runs the leading collegiate indoor track meet with the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge, and also hosts the largest high school indoor track meets with this year's 26th U. S. Air Force Hispanic Games, The New Balance Games, the New Balance Nationals Indoors, the Energice Coaches Hall of Fame, Marine Corp Holiday Classic and the Colgate Games.  The Armory also runs the Columbia & NewYork – Presbyterian Indoor Marathon presented by New York Road Runners, which is the world’s largest indoor marathon relay. The Armory is also the home to the National Track & Field Hall of Fame and dozens of very large education-focused events. For more: Please visit Armory.NYC and ArmoryTrack.com.