Ben Nagel, a Virginia Tech student, beat the local Martinsville Mile record on July 20 with a time of 03:53.17, which is 10 seconds off of the Guinness World Record of 03:43.13.
Those who follow the sport know that breaking the 4:00 barrier for the mile is challenging and a goal to which top runners aspire. To run 3:53 is something the vast majority of top runners can only dream about,” said Joe Philpott, an organizer and promoter of the seventh annual race that was held on a downhill section of the Dick & Willie Trail.
Runners were split into two groups based on previously submitted run time.
Nagel, who said he enjoyed the race and was happy to take home the first-place prize, added the event provided a good place for him to get in some more practice.
“I saw this race, and I was looking to do some more road miles and downhill road miles,” said Nagel, who had never visited the area before. Noting “great hospitality,” in the area, he added that he enjoyed his time here before the race.
Connor Kinkema, former outstanding Roanoke college swimmer and professional Triathlete, finished second in 4:21 and Roanoke resident and former Averett University standout, Bryan Swann finished third in 4:25, Philpott said.
Both, also breaking the course record set in 2023, placed second overall with a time of 04:21.11, and Bryann Swan placed third with a time of 04:25.96, Philpott said, and added “the second and third place finishers broke the old course record.”
In the female overall category, Delores Ford took first place with a time of 00:05:17.02, Elizabeth Kinkema came in second with a time of 05:32.76, and Alice Kassens 05:37.17.
The contest attracted 73 runners, with 23 participants running the mile in just under seven minutes. The youngest runner was aged six, while the oldest was John Dyches, 81.
Races were timed using technology from Run Roanoke.
“Each runner’s bib has a timing chip that’s programmed to a specific number,” said Jeremy Woods, owner of Run Roanoke LLC. The chips ensured that each runner has their own personal time judged properly.
In addition to a bib with a sensor that recorded their start and finish times, bibs were equipped with cameras for backup to verify the results. Once each runner from each heat passed over the finish line, the results were tallied.
Overall, winners received a trophy and cash prize, while age group winners received a medal.
“Age group winners, young and old, were just as happy and proud as the 3:53 miler,” Philpott said.
Miles in Martinsville will continue to hold races throughout the year.
“Our running program is an asset to health and wellness in the community and also serves tourism in that many runners come from out of town,” said Philpott. The next race is the Harvest Moon Run on September 14.
