Jake Edwards (4:00) And Shannon Osika (4:27) Win Ryan Shay Mile
Press Release
July 23, 2016
Charlevoix, MI – The 9th annual Ryan Shay Mile took place this morning in Charlevoix, Michigan under a blue sky and 75 degree temperatures. This invitational road mile had separate races for men and women. There was $4000 in prize money available ($1000.00 1st place, $500.00 2nd, $250.00 3rd) with the title sponsor being Bergmann Marine.
In the men’s race Jake Edwards was able to defend his 2015 title, and Shannon Osika was able to win her first Shay Mile title.
Edwards with a time of 4:00 minutes led a pack of five runners who finished within two seconds of each other. Lex Williams was able to win the half mile incentive bonus. But after the three quarter mile mark Edwards was in the lead pack along with Cam Marantz, 2nd in 4:01. Mason Ferlic followed in 4:02, along with the 4th and 5th place runners of Daniel Castle and Avery Martin both also in 4:02.
Osika won her first Shay Mile today in 4:27 but has a long history with the event. Running the inaugural Shay Mile in 2008 as a high school athlete in the state of Michigan and then she continued competing as a collegiate runner for the University of Michigan, now has a total of six appearances. Ashley Higginson led the race from the start and was able take the half mile incentive bonus. She continued to press the race past the three quarters mark and along with Osika lead the field down the hill into the downtown area. Higginson finished 2nd in 4:28 as Osika overtook her in the last section of the race. Brook Handler was able follow up her 2nd place finish from 2016 and finished 3rd in 4:34
The Ryan Shay Mile started in the summer of 2008 to honor the memory of Ryan Shay. Ryan passed away on November 3, 2007 while competing in the 2008 USA Olympic Marathon Trials in New York City. Ryan was from Central Lake, Michigan, about thirty minutes south of Charlevoix. A talented runner, who through hard work and persistence, won championships in high school, while in college in Notre Dame, and as a professional. Ryan continues to be a role model for many young people in Northern Michigan and around the country.
Bergmann Marine, located in Charlevoix, Michigan, provides marine sales, service and storage facilities. This family owned and operated business spans three generations and has been providing service to Northern Michigan for more than twenty five years.
This event is held as part of Charlevoix’s annual Venetian Festival, and in conjunction with the Drenth Memorial 5k/10k road races on the same Saturday morning. Charlevoix is located in the upper northwestern portion of the lower Michigan peninsula.
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Links to results:
Women: http://www.newtontiming.com/results/16/drenth/milewomen.html