Collegiate Running Association, Loudoun Street Mile extend partnership through 2021
Event to host the 2020-21 Collegiate Road Mile National Championships
From Collegiate Running Association
WINCHESTER, Va. - The Collegiate Running Association (CRA) and the Loudoun Street Mile have announced that they have extended their partnership to bring the 2020-21 Collegiate Road Mile National Championship back to Winchester. The 2019 Mile event was the first Collegiate Road Mile Championship in history and awarded a total prize purse of $4000.
“The Loudoun Street Mile is a historic and iconic event,” said Collegiate Running Association Co-Founder Steve Taylor. “Race Directo Mark Stickley, event staff and the community did an amazing job of hosting our first ever Collegiate Road Mile Championship in 2019. We know they are committed to providing an epic atmosphere for the event and all the participants, including the college students. Historic Winchester served as the perfect backdrop for the finish and we're excited to be headed back for the next two years. With this agreement college students can plan their schedules to include the Collegiate Road Mile Championships far in advance. As fans, we can look forward to enjoying more great performances, restaurants and history in the area of old town Winchester.”
The Loudoun Street Mile is held on Memorial Day each year with the 2020 edition scheduled for Monday, May 25 and the 2021 edition scheduled for May 31. There will continue to be a common start for the Collegiate Championship and open championship, allowing eligible college students to win both collegiate and Open prize money.
“Having participated in the Loudoun Street Mile numerous times, I am extremely excited about the CRA continuing this partnership to host a collegiate championship as part of the race,” said CRA co-founder Jon Molz. “This is a top notch, quality event with a community that embraces it, and I know that all of the runners will have a blast again next year racing down the hill to the finish with a crowd cheering them on.”
Along with many festivals held throughout the year, Winchester is also the home of Shenandoah University and sits in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The small city of 25,000 hosts numerous charming shops, delicious restaurants, centuries-old architecture, numerous historical landmarks, and museums waiting to be explored following the races. Old Town Winchester offers convenience, charm and a warm welcome to all.
“Hosting the Collegiate Road Mile Championship in 2019 proved to be a boon to our race," said Mark Stickley, Loudoun Street Mile Race Director. "The race was more competitive with deeper fields and there was a renewed enthusiasm surrounding the event. We are thrilled to continue this partnership for 2020 and 2021 and hope to become a preferred destination for many collegians who are seeking good competition on a great course. This continued partnership will raise our profile while also bolstering our mission of being a family-friendly event and fundraiser for The Laurel Center, a local shelter working in our community to stop the cycle of domestic and sexual violence."
Participants will be chasing a total minimum prize purse of $4000. All money will be distributed equally among male and female award winners with collegians also eligible for Open prize money. Again this year the event will offer a $200 bonus to the winning male for a sub-4 minute Mile and winning female for a sub-4:30 Mile performance.
