The Congress Avenue Mile, Austin’s first world-class road race, went off with a bang Sunday, with the top three runners finishing under four minutes. “I think that with the success of this event the first time out, it could become one of the best,” said Sydney Maree, the American record-holder in the 1,500 and 5,000 meters, who finished fourth at 4:00.48. “I would like to come back.”

And maybe take another shot at Doug Padilla of Provo, Utah, who beat an elite field of 10 runners with a time of 3:57.19 to win the race, which was run from the Capitol driveway to the end of the Congress Avenue bridge.

Padilla, better known for his exploits at 5,000 meters, used his highly feared finishing kick to best American record-holder Steve Scott, former Arizona State University runner Jeff Smith, and Maree.

Scott compared the event to similar races, such as New York’s Fifth Avenue Mile. He said Austin’s size prevented the race from being “gobbled up” by competing activities, as might happen in a larger city, like New York.

“It’s hard to put it in words,” race director Paul Carrozza said, “but it’s everything I hoped it would be. I’m going to start working on (next year’s race) tomorrow.”

Padilla, Scott and Maree, all former Olympians, held back in the first three quarters of the mile, allowing other runners to break a strong headwind. But with 300 yards left, Padilla began his sprint and ended the contest for first place.

Smith’s third place came as a big surprise, especially to Scott, who barely held him off. Scott ran a 3:59.22. Smith was only .26 seconds behind.

“Scott’s outkicked me before,” said Padilla. “I watched a little bit more, so if he did come up on me I could be ready.”

Padilla normally runs longer distances.

“I don’t feel as confident at the mile,” he said. “The tactics in a road mile are different. This is the first major road mile I’ve ever won, so I’m really excited.”

“(Padilla) was on today,” Scott said. “He was really good.”

Maree, who said he had hoped to win and certainly didn’t expect fourth, said, “I thought maybe they would come back and they didn’t. I was trying to save something for the finish.”

The event, composed of 10 heats, also featured “Best of Texas” categories for men and women.

Former University of Houston runner Sean Murray led a trio of Houston runners across the line in the men’s field, and Dallas’ Mary Knisely won the women’s division.

The Best of Texas women’s race was more dramatic. Unlike the strung-out elite race, the women ran in a tight bunch that didn’t unravel until the last few yards, when Knisely pulled away from Theresa Dunn and former University of Texas All-American Trina Leopold-Painter to win in 4:37.44.

Knisely, a former TAC outdoor champion at 3,000 meters, said she is hoping to compete in this summer’s Goodwill Games.

Murray, meanwhile, showed he could have run with the elite field had he wanted, clocking a 3:59.57.

Carrozza used $25,000 in appearance fees to bring the world-class field to Austin. He paid $3,000 to Padilla, $2,000 to Scott, and $1,000 to Smith. Best of Texas winners also received $1,000.

But it was the overall organization that impressed most, with all 10 heats running smoothly, including seven age-division categories.

“It’s nice to have all these age-group races,” Padilla said. “A lot of people came out and ran. I was impressed with the support.”

“I think people like Paul need to be supported,” said Maree, who might return for the Capitol 10,000 on April 1.

These Houston runners smile after the Best of Texas men’s race. Sean Murray (45) won and Pat Picciano (45) was second. Allen Holliman greets them.

PUBLICATION: Austin American-Statesman
SECTION: SPORTS
PAGE: D1