Fifth Avenue Mile

Contributor Ryan and I stumbled across the Fifth Avenue Mile. For running fans, it's probably one of the best takes in the sport. (This post will appeal to no one, I'm sure) With the nature of the race--a road race--you get to see the runners a few feet away from the sidewalks instead of sitting in a stadium's stands hundreds of feet away. This is unique for a mid-distance event.

Before the elite women's race, Ryan Hall walked right in front of us. We wished him luck in November, he thanked us, and started to jog to the finish line to see how he wife, Sara, would fare.

Afterward, we decided to see the awards ceremony and saddled right up next to the stage. Some of my pics are below and above.

As we left Grand Army Plaza, we almost walked right into Nate Brannen, Sara Hall, Leo Manzano, and Matt Tegenkamp, separately. The equivalent to any other sport...I can't think of one.

The United States was well represented in the race. I'm sure Bernard Lagat thought things would unfold differently, but the American 1500 and 5000 runners put up solid performances, overall.

I definitely felt more proud to see the successful runners than feelings of awe or being starstruck. Great day for running.

(Sara Hall)

(Sara Hall)

(Lisa Dobriskey)

(Shannon Rowbury)

(Shannon Rowbury)

(Leo Manzano)

(Boaz Lalang)

(Andy Baddeley)