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Live @ Millrose: Lagat wins 3rd straight Wanamaker Mile

Posted February 2nd, 2007 at 10:54 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Track & Field, Special Features, Live Race Coverage

Bernard Lagat proved once again why he is a favorite for a gold medal in Beijing; winning his fifth overall and third straight Wanamaker Mile in 3:54:26.

The race, which featured it’s most competitive field in years, wasn’t decided until the last lap when Lagat took the lead from Mottram (3:54:81) and sprinted to victory.

After the first quarter mile (56 seconds), it was the pace setter Joseph, followed by Webb, Lagat and Mottram. However, with five laps remaining (the mile is a total of eleven laps on this track), Joseph dropped out and Lagat and then Mottram passed Webb. Mottram took the lead from Lagat with about four and half laps left and Webb and the rest of the field trailed the two leaders by at least 25 meters.

Webb was passed by fellow American Chris Lukezic and fell to fourth place with two laps to go; ultimately finishing in that position with a time of 4:04:86. Webb had to be disappointed with this performance, especially since he was coming off of a victory at the Reebok Boston Indoor games where he set a new American indoor record.

Lagat, an Olympic silver and gold medalist, went into his kick on the last lap; moving to the second lane and reclaiming the lead from Mottram. Although Mottram stayed tough, there was nothing he could do and he went on to finish second in a time of 3:54:81. After the race Mottram spoke about the final lap:

“That was about top gear for me and he (Lagat) just took it to a whole other level that I didn’t have.”

In addition to winning his fifth Wanamaker Mile (two away from the current record of seven) Lagat was also named the U.S. athlete of the meet and was awarded $2,5000 in prize money. Lagat called this year’s race, which took place in front of 14,905 fans at Madison Square Garden, the hardest Wanamaker victory of his career. He explained:

“2005, 2006, I was by myself in front with a pacemaker … This time it was really hard … I had Webb at the beginning, then Mottram. With 4 laps to go, I thought OK, this is not going to be easy. And it was not easy.”

But Lagat did make it look; going to the outside on a difficult track to take the lead away from Mottram. Lagat also credited a good luck charm for his victory; his one year old son Miika. Lagat said:

“In all the races he saw in 2006, I didn’t lose any. That’s why I brought him to New York. He’s my good luck charm, for sure.”

Mottram seemed very upset when he stepped off the track, but admitted later that his reaction was out of frustration and was actually quite happy with his performance. Mottram explained his plan for the race and what he thought of Lagat’s performance:

“I wanted to come out here and settle the first 500 or 600 meters, to get in front of him with 4 to go, to relax for two laps, then try to keep him off. That’s why he is the best in the world. I knew he was coming but I couldn’t do anything about it.”

Official Race Results:

1) Bernard Lagat 3:54:26
2) Craig Mottram 3:54:81
3) Chris Lukezic 4:01:48
4) Alan Webb 4:04:86
5) Ivan Heshko 4:08:45
6) Moise Joseph (DNF)