Collegiate Road Mile National Championships Set for Memorial Day
2023 Collegiate Road Mile National Championships returns to the Loudoun Street Mile Race in Winchester, Virginia
All-Time Top 10 Performance List (As of May 30, 2022)
May 28, 2022 – Winchester, VA - The Collegiate Running Association (CRA) and the Shenandoah Valley Runners are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the 2023 Collegiate Road Mile National Championship to Winchester, Virginia on Monday morning. Celebrating its 36th annual Loudoun Street Mile, this prestigious event will host the Collegiate Road Mile National Championship for the fifth consecutive year. Offering a prize purse of $5,100, the event is set to showcase the talent of collegiate athletes from across the nation.
Taking place on its traditional date of Memorial Day, this event will gather a record number of runners of all ages, who will compete in waves of 50 runners each along the picturesque streets of Winchester. 517 runners will attack the point-to-point race course which provides an ideal opportunity for participants to achieve personal bests, especially with the favorable forecast of 60 degrees on race morning, ensuring optimal conditions for fast times.
A total prize purse of $5,100 will be up for grabs, with $1,700 specifically designated for the top three collegians. The prize money will be distributed equally among both men and women, and collegiate athletes will have the opportunity to 'double-dip' by also being eligible for open prize money. As recognition for their outstanding performances, the top five male and female collegiate finishers will receive JAMBAR, the official energy bar of the association.
The men's race promises an exciting showdown, as a new collegiate champion will be crowned this year. Notable contenders in the deep field include Abel Teffra from Georgetown University, Jantz Tostenson also from Georgetown University, Brandon McGorty from Stanford, Theo Woods from Georgetown University, Jordan Bendura from the University of Richmond, James Heilman from McDaniel, and Jason Putnam from CNU.
Among the open runners, spectators can expect fierce competition from Johan Fagerberg, Joe LaRusso from Maryland, Mark Leininger from New Jersey, Ryan Witters from Virginia, Ethan Gonzales from Maryland, Daniel Anderson from Washington, D.C., Shannon Dooley from Maryland, and Ryan Buscaglia from Washington, D.C.
The women's field features a highly talented group of runners, aiming to break the course record of 4:31.3 set by Gina McNamara from the University of Michigan last year. With the potential participation of former record holder Amy Cashin from West Virginia University/Australia, the race is expected to be fast-paced. Collegiate contenders, including Ryen Frazier from NC State, Ericka Charles, Madison Trippett from the University of Richmond, Bethany Graham from Furman University, Anne Akagi from Charleston Southern, and Samantha Nadel from George Washington University, will undoubtedly be up front.
In addition to the collegians, several open (non-collegiate) runners to watch out for include former course record holder Susanna Sullivan from Virginia, Lauren Berman from Virginia, Zoe Matherne from Pennsylvania, Elizabeth Chikotas from Virginia, and Kelly Calway from Virginia.
"This year's Collegiate Road Mile Championships have deep men’s and women’s fields. Possibly the deepest we've seen in the five-year history of the event," stated Collegiate Running Association Co-Founder Steve Taylor. "We are thrilled to witness such great competition and are delighted that more and more people are becoming aware of the welcoming community surrounding this event. We anticipate outstanding races due to the course and the warm hospitality extended by the community. This holiday tradition has become a destination event, marking the official kickoff to summer and the conclusion of the college track season and academic year.”
"The Loudoun Street Mile is thrilled to continue our partnership with the CRA, bringing back the Collegiate Road Mile Championship to Winchester for the fifth consecutive year," expressed Mark Stickley, Loudoun Street Mile Director. Stickley further added, "This ongoing partnership has significantly elevated the level of competition in the race, providing an attractive opportunity for collegians who are seeking a race after the end of their track season."
In addition to the Collegiate Road Mile Championship, Winchester is proud to host the RRCA Road Mile Championships for the second year. Both the CRA and RRCA Championships align with our mission of being a family-friendly event and a fundraiser for The Laurel Center," Stickley concluded.
With participants vying for a total prize purse of $5,100, including $1,700 designated for the top three collegians, the Collegiate Road Mile National Championship promises intense competition and remarkable performances. As we celebrate the athletic achievements of these collegiate runners, we invite you to join us in Winchester on May 28th to witness the excitement.
For more information about the event, including registration details, course maps, and schedules, please visit the official website of the Collegiate Running Association HERE.
THE RACE BASICS:
STARTING LINE: All One Mile races will start at 1604 S. Loudoun Street near Blue Ridge Electric.
OPEN PRIZE MONEY: There will be prize money to the top 5 runners overall (based on gun time start) and first masters (equal for men and women): 1st - $750, 2nd - $400, 3rd - $250, 4th - $175, 5th - $125; 1st Masters (40+) - $100.
COLLEGIATE ROAD MILE CHAMPIONSHIP: Separate prize money for the top 3 collegians. This is open to anyone who has taken or currently taking at least one college class (even on-line) since January 1, 2022. Eligibility must be verified through the Collegiate Running Association. There will be prize money for the top 3 -- $500 for first, $250 for second and $100 for third. Double-dipping with open prize money WILL be allowed.
AGE GROUPS AWARDS to top 3 in each age group: 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49 for men and women; 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, 70-79 & 80+ for men; 50-59, 60-69 & 70+ for women.
All-Time Top 10 Performance List (As of May 30, 2022)
