A total of 888 racers across various age and gender groups registered for the mile race. This was the largest number of participants in the history of the race. This surpassed last year’s record attendance, with race directors estimating around 800 entrants at the time.

The Flagstaff Downtown Mile begins on July 4th, the first of several races begins pic.twitter.com/Ni9r4V0e2z

— Eric Newman (@enewmanwrites) July 4, 2023

Another big change was in the prize money. For the first time ever, the winner of the Masters category received a $300 check. Meanwhile, the elite racer each got his $1,000 and had the chance to win another $500 if he beat the course record.

Those who were part of the expansion of the event are still marveling at the transformation.

“I remember when my wife and I first moved here over 10 years ago. Running scene heavyweight Ben Bruce said. “And year after year, more people came. People wanted to be part of the community, so it was kind of the culmination of not just the operating community, but the whole city.”

The retired professional runner got off to a strong start to the day by breaking the men’s Masters division race record with a time of 4 minutes and 36 seconds. The previous record for the men’s race over 40 was 4:43, set by Ryan Baker a year ago.

Bruce led the pack on the first of two laps and crossed the finish line with little chance of anyone catching him. He raised his fists as he crossed the line, confident that he could easily break the previous record. Mike Madsen was second in 4:46, with Chris Gomez (4:49) third.

“I’m 40 and I have no idea how I’m going to be in shape for a race like a mile. I felt pretty good on the first loop, but 3’30 or 4 After about a minute, I was tired and ready to get there,” Bruce said.

The high level of competition also boosted the blues. Bruce is now a pacer and assistant for his former team, NAZ Elite.

“Flagstaff is competitive no matter what running event you attend. I know,” he said.

Multi-time state champion Flagstaff Eagles cross-country program coach Trina Painter won the women’s masters race with a time of 5 minutes and 51 seconds. Katie McGee (5:54) was second and Stephanie Hunt finished third with a time of 6:01.

Painter has always enjoyed the event, which showcases running in the Flagstaff area, but has been unable to compete in the past few races due to an injury.

That made the win all the more appealing.

“I was really nervous going into this race because I didn’t feel very well in training. I was really happy that I had a good run to do it,” Painter said.

Painter also thanked several Eagles players for cheering her on from the sidelines.

“I think kids have a certain amount of respect for their coaches when they go out and run or train. I think it’s fun to watch, there was a lot of cheers and energy,” she said.

The men’s fireworks continued to go off in the elite race.

Abram Tesfamariam was leading the closely packed group in the first loop of the race. Finally he took a few more steps forward. His time of 4:09 (converted to less than 4 minutes per mile at normal altitude) beat Leo Young (4:11) and Yemane Haile Selassie (4:12). Official time is on, Aslinks.com Race announcers said Tesfamariam’s time was slightly better than Jacques Antzi’s time, setting the record for last year’s race, which set the 2022 Listed record of 4 minutes 09 seconds.

In the elite women’s race, Sammy George won the race in 4:45, just two seconds off last year’s winning time of 4:43. She was followed by Regan Yi (4:47) and Jeralyn Poe (4:51).

Emilio Medina won the men’s race with a time of 4:45. Jacques St. Marie narrowly held off Elijah Tarkaray to take the silver medal, both with a time of 4:48.

Lindsey Nelson showed overwhelming strength in the citizen women’s race and finished in 5 minutes 07 seconds. Addison Royer (5:17) was second and Joanna Stephens (5:29) was third.

Josiah Berry finished the day in 2:25 at the kids half mile, followed by Oliver Harrison (2:30) and Nick Bowie (2:51).