Fountain runs sub-4 minutes to win Pro Men’s Mile at USA Youth Champs
By Kelcey Zutavern, USATF
Posted Monday, 9 July, 2007
LISLE, Ill. - Australian Mark Fountain was the only athlete to break the 4-minute barrier in the Finish Line Pro Men's Mile at the 2007 USA Youth Outdoor Championships, being held at the Sports Complex on the campus of Benedictine University.
Fountain defeated 11 other athletes to win the event with a time of 3 minutes 58.86 seconds. Daniel Lincoln, American record-holder in the 3,000m steeplechase, was second in 4:00.29, while Seth Summerside (Fayatteville, Ark.) finished third with a time of 4:01.64.
"It was tough out there," Lincoln said. "It's hot and windy, but we just got out and tried to break four minutes anyway."
Jim Sorensen, who set the masters 40-44 world record in the 800m last week, improved his American record in the M40 mile with a time of 4:04.98. His previous record was 4:05.27.
"I got out all right, but the second lap I fell back," Sorensen said. "I like to run relaxed the first lap, but maybe I just relaxed too much. I'm satisfied in that I was able to lower my American record."
The event showcased some of the top middle distance runners during one of the country's premiere youth events. It also provided athletes with a domestic competitive opportunity following the AT&T USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which were held June 21-25 in Indianapolis. USA Track & Field hopes events such as the Pro Men's Mile will create opportunities for elite athletes to connect with future track and field stars.
"This was a fantastic event and a fantastic idea to showcase some of the top pro athletes at a youth event," Fountain said. "I look around today and I see lots of young, talented athletes. They are going to be the future of our sport."
The USA Youth Outdoor Championships will be held from July 3-8 at the Sports Complex on the campus of Benedictine University in Lisle. The Championships are a national competition with entry based upon qualifying standards for each event and has the same age divisions as the USATF Junior Olympic program. Bantam (10 and under), Midget (11-12), Youth (13-14), Intermediate (15-16) and Young Men/Women (17-18).
Results of the Finish Line Pro Men's Mile:
1. Mark Fountain 3:58.86
2. Daniel Lincoln 4:00.29
3. Seth Summerside 4:01.64
4. Scott Overall 4:03.57
5. Jim Sorensen 4:04.98
6. Luke Watson 4:05.39
7. Brad Lowery 4:06.02
8. Jordan Fife 4:06.14
9. Rod Koborsi 4:09.19
10. Hunter Spencer 4:10.11
11. Sam Burley 4:12.21
12. Tom Chorney 4:16.62
For more information on the 2007 USA Youth Outdoor Track & Field Championships, visit www.usatf.org.
Contact:
Kelcey Zutavern
Communications Intern
USA Track & Field
317-261-0500
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