Jenny Simpson Chasing Eighth 5th Avenue Mile Title

By Adam Kopet

Race organizers for the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile Presented by NYRR released the men's and women's fields for the elite mile to be contested Sept. 8.

The women's race features Jenny Simpson, who has won the event a record seven times and will be chasing an eighth victory. She holds the event record at 4:16.6, which she set in her 2017 win.

Frequently the 5th Avenue Mile marks the end of many athletes' racing seasons, but with the IAAF World Outdoor Championships beginning Sept. 27 in Doha, there is an added dimension in play. Simpson should be approaching her peak form as she prepares to race the 1,500 meters in Doha.

Joining Simpson in the race and in the 1,500 meters in Doha is Nikki Hiltz. She has been dominant in mile road races this year, winning the BAA Mile, adidas Boost Boston Games Mile, and the USATF 1 Road Mile Championships. She also won the 1,500 meters at the Pan American Games.

Other women who are set to compete in the 5th Avenue Mile and in Doha are Elinor Purrier (5,000 meters) and Allie Ostrander (3,000-meter steeplechase).

The men's field features three men who have run under 3:50 for the mile on the track. Nick Willis of New Zealand will be chasing a record-breaking fifth win. However, a younger group of runners will be looking to challenge the 36-year-old Kiwi.

Edward Cheserek, the 17-time NCAA champion from Kenya, has the fastest mile best in the field at 3:49.44. Johnny Gregorek has also notched a sub-3:50 time himself before capturing silver in the 1,500 meters at the Pan American Games.

However, Great Britain's Chris O'Hare should not be overlooked. He has twice finished runner-up on 5th Avenue and will be looking to finally take the victory.

A full list of entries for the elite races are available here.