THE WANAMAKER MILE
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THE WANAMAKER MILE —
The NYRR Wanamaker Mile has been the stage of numerous national and world records, attracting the finest middle-distance athletes from around the world for more than a century. As the centerpiece event of the historic Millrose Games, it remains one of track and field’s most prestigious races.
Photo via Sam Su
The NYRR Wanamaker Mile has been the stage of numerous national and world records, attracting the finest middle-distance athletes from around the world for more than a century. As the centerpiece event of the historic Millrose Games, it remains one of track and field’s most prestigious races.
THE HISTORY OF THE WANAMAKER MILE
The race was named in honor of Rodman Wanamaker, owner of the Wanamaker department store. Employees of the Wanamaker branch in New York City organized the first Millrose Games in 1908. In the early days, the signature race of the meet was 1.5 miles, before it was shortened to one mile in 1926, and the Wanamaker Mile was born.
The race quickly became famous for its 10 PM start time and its intimate setting with the crowd right on top of the 146-meter track, creating an unrivaled fan experience at Madison Square Garden, the storied venue which had begun hosting the Millrose Games in 1914.
The winner of the first Wanamaker Mile was James J. Connolly. Connolly had previously represented the United States at the 1920 and 1924 Olympics, winning the bronze medal in the 3000 meter team race in 1924.
One of the first athletes to dominate the event was the great Glenn Cunningham, who won six out of seven races from 1933-1939. Cunningham's record for most victories stood until 1987, when Eamonn Coghlan won his seventh Wanamaker title. Coghlan was nicknamed the "Chairman of the Boards" because of his dominance on the Millrose track, which was supported by wooden boards
Now occupied by Macy’s City Center and office space, the Wanamaker Building, completed in 1911, housed Wanamaker’s Department Store.
Now occupied by Macy’s City Center and office space, the Wanamaker Building, completed in 1911, housed Wanamaker’s Department Store.
Glenn Cunningham dominated the early Wanamaker Miles
Glenn Cunningham dominated the early Wanamaker Miles
THE HISTORY OF THE WANAMAKER MILE
Eamonn Coghlan won seven Wanamaker Mile races.
Mary Decker won the inaugural women's Wanamaker Mile in 1982 before adding three more victories in 1983, 1985, and 1997. She shares the record for most wins with Doina Melinte and Regina Jacobs. In 2020, Elinor Purrier ran 4:16.85 to set a new event record as well as a new American record. In 2024, she lowered both marks further to 4:16.41, marking her third victory in the event.
Eamonn Coghlan won seven Wanamaker Mile races.
Mary Decker en route to one of her many Wanamaker victories.
Photo via Victah Sailer
Mary Decker en route to one of her many Wanamaker victories.
Elle Purrier St. Pierre hoists her third Wanamaker Trophy.
In 2010, Bernard Lagat won his eighth Wanamaker crown, solidifying his status as one of the greatest milers of the modern era. Other legendary runners who have won the Wanamaker Mile include Marty Liquori, Kip Keino, and Steve Scott
Elle Purrier St. Pierre hoists her third Wanamaker Trophy.
Photo via Victah Sailer
Bernard Lagat (left) is handed a commemorative plaque from Eamonn Coghlan (right)
In 2025, Yared Nuguse ran a staggering 3:46.63 to break the world record previously held by Yomif Kejelcha, also a Wanamaker champion. This historic race featured the first, second, fourth, and fifth fastest indoor marks in history. Nuguse’s victory was his third NYRR Wanamaker Mile title in a row, after just missing the world record in 2023 and 2024.
Bernard Lagat (left) is handed a commemorative plaque from Eamonn Coghlan (right)
Photo via Sam Su
Yared Nuguse has won 3 straight NYRR Wanamaker Titles
Yared Nuguse has won 3 straight NYRR Wanamaker Titles
Photo via Ross Dettman
Yomif Kejelcha ran 3:48.46 to win the Men’s Wanamaker Mile in 2019
The explosion of fast times in recent years is undoubtedly due in part to the 2012 relocation of the Millrose Games to The Armory. Like Millrose as a whole, the NYRR Wanamaker Miles marry the best of old and new, as nearly 100 years of distance running history is now on the line at the premier indoor track facility in the United States with its ultra-fast 200-meter Mondo oval. With this legacy, it is no surprise that the best milers in the world flock to Washington Heights each February for the chance to etch their names alongside the greats
Yomif Kejelcha ran 3:48.46 to win the Men’s Wanamaker Mile in 2019
A number of world records have been set on the resurfaced Armory Track
Photo via Sam Su
A number of world records have been set on the resurfaced Armory Track