It’s that time of year again: This Sunday, September 10, some of the world’s speediest runners will line up near 80th Street for the 5th Avenue Mile. Last year, Laura Muir and Jake Wightman scored a double win for the Brits. And in 2023, another stacked field promises an exciting race.
American mile record-holder Nikki Hiltz, world champion Josh Kerr, and U.S. Olympian Elle St. Pierre will headline this year’s 5th Avenue Mile, according to a press release.
Two-time USATF one-mile road champion Hiltz says that the NYC event is one of their favorite events on the racing calendar. They were the runner-up at last year’s event.
This year will be Kerr’s second 5th Avenue Mile, and he will arrive fresh from winning the 1,500 meters in Budapest.
American world record holder St. Pierre, meanwhile, will run the streets of New York after giving birth to her first child, Ivan, in early March. “My preparation for the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile this time has been different, as I fit training around feedings, nap time, and playing with Ivan,” said St. Pierre. “But my body feels good, and the workouts have been solid. I’m excited to be back on 5th Avenue this weekend.”
The inaugural 20-block race started in 1981 and stretches from 80th Street to 60th Street on 5th Avenue. Hiltz, Kerr, and St. Pierre will be in good company with athletes like 2021 5th Avenue Mile champion Jemma Reekie, Mexican record-holder Laura Galvan, and Olympian Courtney Frerichs.
How to Watch the 5th Avenue Mile
NBC will broadcast the race live nationally, but you can tune into USATF.TV to stream the event no matter where you call home.
Kells McPhillips is a health and wellness journalist living in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in Runner's World, The New York Times, Well+Good, Fortune, Shape, and others.
