‘Hall Of Famers’ Share Memories Of Magic Mile
[Written by Stephen Wright]
For many of Bermuda’s elite athletes, past and present, the Skyport Magic Mile has helped launch their successful athletics careers by igniting a passion for the sport.
Not only is the iconic race where they first tasted competitive action on a grand scale, but it is also the race where they first experienced the thrill of performing in front of a sizeable crowd and became aware of their natural athletic gifts.
Dage Minors
Dage Minors, the island’s top middle-distance runner, has fond memories of competing in the annual youth running extravaganza and believes it provides a valuable platform for introducing Bermuda’s youngsters to athletics.
“I started aged five and competed every year I was eligible,” the 27-year-old told Bernews. “It’s always been a great spectacle, although I don’t think I ever won the race!”
“It’s one of the few races that attracts kids not involved at a track club, which is great because that’s how you discover new talent.
“It’s a great experience for youngsters, competing in front of a packed National Stadium. I’ll be there this year to cheer everyone on and enjoy the action.”
Alexis Bean
For Alexis Bean, a former middle-distancer runner, her first experience of the Magic Mile was as a spectator aged four, still dressed in a tutu after attending a ballet class.
“As a little girl, I always had a passion for running fast and racing my classmates during recess,” Bean, 31, said. “My dad often tells me the story of us going to watch the Magic Mile when I was four years old after attending ballet class.
“I was furious as I stood in my tutu watching the races because I wasn’t old enough to compete.
“The following year, I entered the race for the first time and won. A spark ignited in me during that race that never seemed to dim.”
Spark duly ignited, Bean embarked on a distinguished career, competing in the 800 and 1,500 metres, medalling at the Carifta Games, and earning an athletics scholarship at St John’s University in New York City.
“I competed in the race annually, amongst plenty of others, and ultimately took my passion for running more seriously, competing for Bermuda as a junior athlete,” said Bean, who works as a reinsurance operations associate at Elementum (Bermuda) Ltd.
“I believe that races for young children are so important because it exposes them to a sport that’s fun and introduces them to healthy competition.
“It allows them to make friends with other children sharing similar interests. It will teach them about good sportsmanship, discipline, patience, and many other life lessons if they choose to remain in the sport.”
Allison Outerbridge
Allison Outerbridge, the Bermuda National Athletics Association vice-president, is another Magic Mile “Hall of Famer” who believes all children can benefit from experiencing the event’s “electric environment” regardless of their athletic level.
“Running the Magic Mile was one of my first experiences competing in front of a crowd,” said Outerbridge, a former triple jumper and Carifta Games medal winner.
“That exposure, although just for fun, sparks the passion for athletics in many athletes, including myself.
“Whether you’re a strong distance runner or not, it’s a fun experience. It’s a race you talk about for years. I ran in primary school and still remember it vividly.”
“Pacers have kept the tradition alive across generations of athletes. The Magic Mile is a staple event I encourage athletes to experience at least once.”
Kyle Webb
Former Bermuda sprinter Kyle Webb experienced his first competitive race in the Magic Mile as an energetic four-year-old.
“I used to run around the house a lot as a kid, so my mom chucked me in the Magic Mile,” said the 27-year-old, who competed at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia, in 2018.
“I think I cried the whole way around, but I’m pretty sure I won. That was the start of my track career!
“A few years later, I joined Pacers Track Club, which really ignited my athletics career.”
2023 Race To Be Held On March 4
Participants can be registered online for the race, held on March 4, at racedayworld.com. Physical entry forms are available at Sportseller in Washington Mall. The entry fee is $15 and must be paid by March 2 by 5 pm for paper entries and March 3 by 6 pm for online entries.
