The Congress Avenue Mile has a rich and illustrious history. More than a decade ago, RunTex Owner Paul Carrozza created this spectacular race by bringing in the world’s top milers for a straight shot through Downtown Austin with only one objective: to run fast. Sub 4:00 miles were plentiful on this friendly course (slightly downhill for the first 1200 meters), and a world-class event was born. A few of the great milers who have raced this prestigious event include:

• Steve Scott: American Record Holder in the Mile (3:47.69) and Olympic finalist
• Sydney Maree: American Record Holder in the 1500 (3:29.77) and 3:48 miler
• Clyde Colenso: NCAA Champion and 3:54 miler
• Jeff Atkinson: Olympic 1500 meter finalist and 3:52 miler
• Doug Padilla: 3:54 miler and U.S. Olympian
• Paul Donovan: Olympian and 3:55 miler
• Michal Bartoszak: CONGRESS AVE. MILE RECORD HOLDER (3:47.26, 1992)
• Jason Lunn: USA National Champion (3:49.10, 2003)
• Past female participants include Ruth Wysocki, Brit McRoberts, Shiela Carrozza, and Patti Sue Plumer, and others. Plumer holds the course record with a blazing 4:24.00!

This year’s event is not only appealing to runners, but to anyone who wants to see a great show! Come downtown on May 21, 2011 and join us!