2020 Race Cancelled

After holding onto every bit of hope that the 2020 HOKA ONE ONE Long Island Mile would be able to move forward as planned, the unfortunate decision to officially cancel this year’s event has been made by race organizers, Kyle Merber and Brendan Barrett. The race, which has been held since 2015, has become a staple and favorite of the September race calendar for local athletes and professional runners alike. 

Pointing to the ongoing concerns surrounding public health, the event joins a long list of canceled events across the world. Although alternative versions of the race were explored as possibilities, the meet directors ultimately determined not to go the virtual or professional-only route. “We talked about it extensively, but the key motivation for us has always been to do it for the fans. If we don’t have all the kids cheering on track-side, then it just wouldn’t be the Long Island Mile,” says Merber, the Dix Hills native and 3:52 miler for HOKA ONE ONE. 

Safety is the priority right now. The event, which has been held at Bay Shore High School the last two years, is known to draw a couple thousand high schoolers. Given the present New York State and USATF guidelines, the risk is too great and the hurdles too high. Brendan Barrett, the owner of Sayville-Smithtown Running Company and event co-founder expressed his concerns, “The most important thing is the welfare of our running community and a race cancellation is one sacrifice we are willing to make if necessary. We are confident in getting through this together and hope to be back soon bigger and better than ever in 2021.”

 

 Participate

Race your heat, then watch the elite!  

Sayville Running Company, Hoka One One, and Kyle Merber have teamed up to create this unique community event. World class runners will toe the line with hopes of breaking four minutes for the men, and 4:30 for the women.  Community runners are encouraged to join the pros and run their own race in one of the heats preceding the elite races.  

Lace up your racers, step onto the track, and give your best go at the mile before watching the main event from the infield.

Spectate

Not interested in racing? No problem. This festival promises to be one of the best spectator events of the year. Whether you are a casual sports fan, or a die-hard track enthusiast, you’ll be sure to enjoy this elite competition and its raucous atmosphere.

Click here for tickets

Long Island has an incredible running community and we look forward to cheering these athletes through the quickest mile possible!