Dage Minors Targets Third Elite Mile Title
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Dage Minors has set his sights on becoming a three-time winner when he competes in the annual Butterfield Front Street Mile elite men’s race on Friday [January 12].
Minors became the first Bermudian to win the iconic race in 2018 in 4min 33sec and repeated the feat last year in 4:16.68.
A look at Dage Minors winning the race last year
Unlike previous years, there will not be any professional overseas runners in the elite races; however, Minors is still expecting stiff competition from local pair Lamont Marshall and Mark Morrison.
“I still think it’s going to be a competitive race at the top end,” Minors told Bernews. “I won’t be able to just go through the motions to win it.
“I’m hoping to grab some momentum from the race – it’s been a good momentum builder for me over the years.
“Although things will be different this year [in the absence of professional runners], I take my hat off to the organisers [of the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Race Weekend] for battling through.
“I know it’s tough financially to bring in ten men and ten women [and cover the costs of] food, accommodation, and prize money. I get it completely.”
Minors, who still holds the mile record in the boys’ middle school race [5:01.90], said it would be an honour to call himself a three-time winner.
“Getting the third win would be great,” said Minors, who is coached by Welshman James Thie, who won the Front Street Mile in 2003 and 2004, “but I know it won’t be a walk in the park. I’m going to have to be at my best.”
The island’s top middle-distance runner said the Front Street Mile holds a special place in his heart and believes the unique atmosphere sets it apart from most races.
“This race always brings out a crowd,” said Minors, who represented Bermuda at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, in November last year.
“There’s just something different about the Front Steet Mile and different to any other event I’ve been to.
“The crowd is always engaged, and hopefully, we can put on a good show for everyone who comes out to watch.”
