Two-Time Race Champions Bolas, Kampf Return to Minnesota Mile
Top field, including event record holder and Rio Olympian Ben Blankenship, expected at 4th stop on the BBTM Grand Prix Tour 2017; 11th edition features new course, evening race and $17,000 in Open prize money
From host Grandma's Marathon
DULUTH, Minn. – A premier class of Mile runners are ready to race on a new course at Thursday evening’s 11th Minnesota Mile on Skyline Parkway.
Among those entered is two-time men’s race champion Jack Bolas, 29, who won with a time of 4 minutes, 7 seconds in 2015, while clocking 4:03 for the victory in 2014. Two-time women’s race champion Heather Kampf, 30, who ran 4:30 and 4:37 respectively in 2014 and 2012, is also entered. The duo will again be racing in the elite Open division that features a $17,000 prize purse that goes eight deep with the men’s & women’s winners each receiving $2500.
The new loop course starts near Enger Park Golf Course. Participants will proceed east on Skyline Parkway around Enger Park. They will then run by Twin Ponds and make their way back to the finish along Hank Jensen Drive. All pre-race and post-race activities will take place at Enger Park Golf Course. In addition to the elite race, the event includes a youth and recreational races that start at 6:00pm.
The Minnesota Mile is also the fourth stop on the nationwide Bring Back the Mile Grand Prix Tour 2017 and the top 6 finishers will earn valuable grand prix points.
The Minnesota Mile is sponsored by Advantage Emblem & Screen Printing, Duluth News Tribune, Sasquatch 106.5, Fitger’s, Holiday Stationstores, Holiday Inn & Suites, Kemps, KBJR 6 & Range 11 and Super One Foods.
For more information, visit: GrandmasMarathon.com
