Minors Looking Forward To Front Street Mile
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Dage Minors says the Butterfield Front Street Mile holds a special place in his heart and hopes to be in contention for his second title on Friday night.
Minors, who became the first Bermudian to win the iconic race in 2018 in 4min 33sec, will be among two local runners in the seven-man field along with debutant Ryan Outerbridge.
Minors winning in 2018:
Also competing will be Americans Grant Grosvenor, Christian Harrison, Dylan Lowry, Jordan Schilit and Adrian Haines of Britain.
Minors, who came second behind United States runner Patrick Casey in the previous Front Street Mile in 2020, said he is delighted the race is returning after a three-year hiatus because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I’m looking forward to my race and the entire weekend [the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge],” Minors told Bernews. “It’s a staple in the sporting calendar, and great to have it back.
“This race will always be in my schedule as long as I’m fit and healthy. It’s been an important race for me through primary and middle school and now as an adult. I’m grateful it’s back, and long may it continue.”
Minors, who held two training camps during the festive period to help the island’s youngsters prepare for the Front Street Mile school races, said he has fond memories of his memorable win five years ago.
Minors winning in 2018:
“The pressure is always on me now, having won the race,” he said. “It was a tactical race and came down to a sprint finish.
“It was my first time running the elite race, and I was grateful to win. Sometimes the time doesn’t matter in this race.
“My time (4:15:57) was better in 2020 when I came second than when I won the race; however, the weather was much better that night.
“I had two more races that year before everything shut down because of Covid.”
The 27-year-old said the weather and the approach of his rivals will dictate the tactics he employs for the race.
“My aim is always to put myself in as strong a position as possible,” said Minors, who set a new national record in the mile at the West Chester Mile in Pennsylvania in August last year.
“I don’t want to be overconfident, but I always back myself, and I’ll back myself come Friday.
“The big thing on that course is the weather and where the wind is coming from. Like any mile race, you have to be strong and fast.
“You have the two turns, and everyone is watching what everybody else is doing. You’re waiting to see who wants to make a move and set the pace early. I’ll just be looking to respond.
“I want the weather to be good, not only for the racing but also so families can come out and enjoy the night.”
Minors said he enjoyed watching the elite races almost as much as competing in the school competitions as a youngster.
“It’s important for the younger generation to be inspired by the athletes in the elite races,” he added.
“I remember when I was young watching a Welsh guy called James Tie [a two-time winner]. He used to come down all the time. No matter how bad my race went, I always looked forward to watching him race.”
