For Immediate Release
JIM RYUN HIGH SCHOOL DREAM MILE TO DEBUT
AT ADIDAS GRAND PRIX
Top high school milers to compete in special events on June 12 in New York City
NEW YORK (April 21, 2010) — In the spirit of Jim Ryun and other legendary high school standouts, the Jim Ryun High School Dream Mile will debut at the adidas Grand Prix on Saturday, June 12, organizers announced Wednesday. The adidas Grand Prix, held at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island, will be the fifth stop on the inaugural 14-meet, international Diamond League circuit. Some of the sport’s top stars are scheduled to compete, including sprint sensation Usain Bolt, pole vault king Steve Hooker, multi-event specialist Jessica Ennis, American distance star Bernard Lagat and American hurdler Lolo Jones.
The two events—the boys and girls mile races—will give the country’s best male and female scholastic standouts a world-class opportunity to have the same experience as the professional athletes at one of the premier outdoor track & field meets in the United States.
Ryun, of Wichita, Kans., was the first high school runner to ever break four minutes in the mile, a preview of his legendary career as one of the greatest runners of all time. Ryun will be in New York to meet with the country’s top milers and inspire the next crop of athletes capable of breaking new ground on the high school level.
“At adidas we understand that the ultimate goal of many athletes is running faster. We are thrilled to be sponsoring the country’s premium mile event that we hope will motivate the next generation of running legends,” said Mikal Peveto, head of running for adidas America. “We look forward to seeing what these sensational athletes will do throughout this competition and in the future.”
Invited high school athletes will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City to compete. The race fields will be limited to 12 participants, and first priority will go to male and female milers who automatically qualify based on pre-determined time standards. If there are not 12 automatic qualifiers, the remaining spots will be filled by invitation only.
Complete event details and automatic qualifying standards are available at www.adidasgrandprix.com. For additional updates, photos, and information on the adidas Grand Prix, visit the fan pages on Facebook and Twitter
.
The adidas Grand Prix, in its sixth year, is the nation’s premier outdoor track & field invitational meet. It features Olympic stars, top high school athletes, and a “Fastest Kid in New York” competition. Increased and upgraded backstretch seating at track level is being added to accommodate the growing demand and interest from fans in the New York area. Tickets and transportation information is available now at www.adidasgrandprix.com or by calling 1-877-TIX-TRAC.
About RISF
Icahn Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility on Randall’s Island featuring a 400-meter Mondo track and covered seating for spectators, is the premier outdoor track-and-field venue in New York City. It was built by the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation (RISF) in partnership with New York City Department of Parks. The facility is programmed, operated and maintained by RISF.
About adidas
adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group, a corporation that includes brands such as Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport.
Media Contacts
Sara Hunninghake
adidas Grand Prix
media@globalathletics.com
917.972.3656
Lyn Famiglietti
adidas US
Lyn.Famiglietti@adidas.com
503.568.9831