February 9: Dynamic trio of Clayton Murphy, Michael Saruni, Donavan Brazier Headlines NYRR Millrose Games’ 800m

Press Release
November 13, 2018 

NEW YORK – The men’s 800 meter event in the 112^th NYRR Millrose Games will include the top middle distance runners in the world including the Olympic bronze medalist, the two fastest runners in NCAA history, and the reigning NCAA champion, The Armory Foundation announced today.

Headlining the 800m for the February 9^th NYRR Millrose Games will be 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Clayton Murphy. While Murphy struggled with injuries following his breakthrough medal performance in Rio, he announced his return to form this past summer in London with a time of 1:43.12, his second fastest ever. Now fully healthy, the American looks to be considered the favorite for this race.

“The Millrose Games is really the most prestigious indoor meet in the world,” Murphy said. “It is always fun to compete there in front of a packed house. I’m really looking forward to claiming my first Millrose victory on February 9th.”

Murphy will have plenty of competition, including from Michael Saruni, the former standout at UTEP. Saruni ran an NCAA record of 1:43.25 in April, following his victory at the NCAA Indoor Championships. Now in his first season as a professional runner, the Kenyan athlete hopes to take the next leap forward to become one of the best in the world, and he will have the chance to do just that at Millrose.

Three top Americans will look to challenge including Donavan Brazier, the former NCAA record holder. He ran a 1:43.55 as a freshman at Texas A&M in 2016, shattering Jim Ryun’s mark that stood for 50 years. Brazier has flashed his potential on numerous occasions, including when he finished second at Millrose in 2018.

Isaiah Harris, the 2018 NCAA Champion, is another athlete looking to make noise in his first season as a pro. The champion from Penn State knocked off Saruni during the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the win. Harris placed second at the USATF Outdoor Championships in consecutive years and represented the United States in the 2017 World Championships. Erik Sowinski, the experienced veteran and American record holder in the indoor 600m, will also be a strong contender.

The men’s 800m is one of many highly anticipated events during the 112^th NYRR Millrose Games, the most historic indoor track & field meet in the world. The men’s shot put will feature Olympic gold and silver medalists Ryan Crouser and Joe Kovacs respectively throwing from the center of the track. The night’s signature events will be the prestigious NYRR Men’sand Women’s Wanamaker Mile.

Entry announcements will continue leading up to the February 9^th event and high school and youth qualifiers will be determined during the January 9^th NYRR Millrose Games Trials at The Armory.

The NYRR Millrose Games is just around the corner. For more information and to purchase tickets to the 112th NYRR Millrose Games please go to www.nyrrmillrosegames.org.