Duane Solomon, Robby Andrews, Erik Sowinski In Millrose 1000m Showdown
Press Release
February 10, 2015
NEW YORK – One of the many must watch match-ups of the 108th NYRR Millrose Games on Saturday, February 14 at the Armory’s New Balance Track and Field Center will be the 1000 meter race between American middle-distance stand-outs Duane Solomon, Erik Sowinski and Robby Andrews.
Since running the second fastest 800 meter time ever by an American to take fourth at the 2012 Olympic Games, Solomon has become one of the biggest names in the middle-distance world.
“The 1000 is really new to me, but at the same time I’m ready for it,” said Solomon. “I want people to know that I have a lot of weapons in my arsenal.”
Sowinski rose among the middle-distance ranks after breaking the 600 meter American record at the 2013 Millrose Games. Solomon, who Sowinski overtook during that race’s final turn, was the record’s previous owner.
Though there is a bit of a rivalry between Solomon and Sowinski, the two teamed up last year to help break the 4×800 meter world record at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. Andrews was also a competitor in that race and led his team to a second-place finish that was also under the previous world record.
Of the three, Andrews has the most history with The Armory. The New Jersey native’s name can be found on The Armory’s record wall under the high school 800 and 1000 meter records as well as the collegiate 800 meter record. He also took second in the 2008 Millrose Games High School Mile.
“The Armory is where I got my start,” said Andrews. “I definitely have a soft spot for The Armory and definitely want to run well every time I step on that track.”
Declan Murray – who helped his Irish team secure a national record in the distance medley relay at January’s Armory Track Invitational – will also be a major player in the Games’ 1000 meters. Murray’s team finished just behind Team USA, which was led by Sowinski to a world record.
But no one should discount 2012 Olympic 1500m bronze medalist Adelaati Iguider from Morocco who will have his sights on the big win in New York.
Pierre-Ambroise Bosse set the Millrose Games’ 1000m record at 2:17.63 during the 107th NYRR Millrose Games. Solomon, Sowinski and Andrews each have reported they’re in good enough shape to run under that mark, which is not too far off the American record of 2:16.76.
The NYRR Millrose Games, part of the USATF Championship Series, is scheduled to be televised live nationally by NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) from 6-8 p.m. USATF.tv will carry live as well.
This marks the fourth NYRR Millrose Games at The Armory and will include the country’s premier professional, college and high school track & field athletes competing on one stage.
The 108th NYRR Millrose Games promises to be one of the best ever and features the likes of 2014 World 800m leader Ajee’ Wilson along with the “fast and fashionable” Sanya Richards-Ross, who will attempt to break her own Armory track record of 50.89 in the 400m, Olympic pole vault gold medalist Jenn Suhr, and Armory Track Invitational 1- and 2-Mile winner Cam Levins, who will compete in the 5000m. The men’s all-time NYRR Wanamaker Mile champion Bernard Lagat will try to win his ninth title in the elite mile field that includes defending champion Will Leer, 2012 championMatthew Centrowitz and five-time NCAA champion Edward Cheserek, while the women’s NYRR Wanamaker Mile will feature defending champion Mary Cain and her Nike Oregon Project teammates Shannon Rowbury, Treniere Moser and Jordan Hasay.
Tickets for the NYRR Millrose Games can be purchased at http://Tickets.NYRRMillroseGames.org. Further questions about both meets can be answered by calling The Armory at (212) 923-1803 ext. 7200.
108th NYRR MILLROSE GAMES WEEK:
- Thursday, February 12: 11 a.m., 108th NYRR Millrose Games Press Conference.
- Thursday, February 12 from 3:30- 5 p.m., children of all ages will be invited to participate in the USA Track & Field RunJumpThrow (RJT) With Athletes Participating in NYRR Millrose Games at The Armory. RJT, a partnership between USA Track & Field and The Hershey Company, is a hands-on learning program that gets kids excited about physical activity by introducing them to basic running, jumping and throwing skills through track and field. Children from local area schools will be participating in the RJT experience. The RJT lesson plan, endorsed by SHAPR America, is designed to be accessible to all children, regardless of athletic ability or fitness level. Media coverage is invited.
- Saturday, February 14, 2-8 p.m., the 108th NYRR Millrose Games at The Armory.
About The Armory Foundation
The Armory is a New York City non-profit institution, with the mission of “Keeping Kids on Track.” Each season the Armory — the proud home of the NYRR Millrose Games — hosts more than 100 track & field meets and welcomes more than 125,000 athlete visits. Besides its many youth sports and educational programs, The Armory runs the Armory Track Invitational, EmblemHealth Hispanic Games, the New Balance Games, and the New Balance Nationals Indoors. The Armory is also the home to the National Track & Field Hall of Fame. For more: Please visit ArmoryTrack.com.
About New York Road Runners (NYRR)
Founded in 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, youth running initiatives, school programs, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.
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