David Torrence Tribute At HOKA ONE ONE Long Island Mile
Press Release
September 5, 2017
The memory of Olympic runner and HOKA ONE ONE athlete David Torrence will be honored at the HOKA ONE ONE Long Island Mile. Torrence was the two-time race champion and stands as record holder. The elite men’s mile will be renamed the David Torrence Mile in remembrance.
Representing HOKA since 2014, Torrence competed in the last year’s Olympic men’s 5,000 meters for Peru, where he has dual citizenship. He started running professionally in 2008. He now holds the 1000m Indoor American record and has a personal best of 3:33:23 in the 1500m.
“Losing David has been an extremely difficult blow to our close-knit team and the entire running community,” said Wendy Yang, President of HOKA and Performance Lifestyle Brands at Deckers. “The outpouring of support and tributes to David coming from all around the world are an indication of the profound impact he had on each person he met. We want to honor his legacy and carry on his memory through events such as the Long Island Mile.”
In addition to the David Torrence Mile, a moment of remembrance will honor Torrence, the trophy will be re-named the Torrence cup, and all HOKA athletes competing in the meet will be running with “DT” on their race bib.
“The Long Island Mile was created with the intent of inspiring our young, local fans and connecting them with the elite athletes of the sport,” said HOKA ONE ONE Athlete and Long Island Mile Meet Director Kyle Merber. “However, with the passing of David earlier this week this race has transformed into an event with a much larger mission. He was a friend to so many who will be racing on Wednesday and this meet is now an opportunity to remember and celebrate the incredible athlete and person that was David Torrence. Naming the race after him is just one more way to keep his memory and impact alive.”
Runners of all abilities are invited to join the all-comer’s mile meet, which provides an opportunity for anyone to race a mile. Pace-based heats will lead up to the men’s and women’s elite races.