Dage Minors Fondly Remembers Magic Mile
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Dage Minors has fond memories of first experiencing the thrill of running in front of a sizeable crowd when he competed in the Skyport Magic Mile as a five-year-old.
The island’s top middle-distance runner participated in the annual junior race, then the Telford Magic Mile, throughout his childhood and believes it helped fuel his passion for the sport.
“It’s one of those events on every parent’s calendar,” Minors told Bernews. “It’s become an iconic race on the island, and I have nothing but fond memories of competing as a kid.
“It was always special running at the National Stadium in front of a packed crowd, with such a fun and family environment, and it was great to experience the atmosphere at such a young age.
“Having fun is the most important thing at that age, and that’s what the Magic Mile is all about.”
Minors, who is training in Britain and will not be able to attend the race on Saturday [March 2], also praised Skyport for coming on board as the new lead sponsor of the event in 2019.
“Luckily, the event has survived for so long because that’s not always the case,” said Minors, who won the bronze medal in the 1,500 metres at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, El Salvador, last summer. “Hats off to Skyport for continuing to put on such a great event – long may it continue!”
Minors, 28, is among several Magic Mile “Hall of Famers” from Bermudian athletics, including Tre Houston, Kyle Webb, Juma Mouchette, Trey Simons, Allison Outerbridge, Alexis Bean, and Kyrah Scraders.
The event, launched by the Bermuda Pacers Track Club in 1995, will be held at the Flora Duffy Stadium from noon on Saturday and is open to boys and girls aged 4 to 15.
The 4 to 5-year-old boys and girls will run one lap of the track; the 6 to 7-year-old boys and girls will run two laps; the 8 to 9-year-old boys and girls will run three laps; and all other age groups will run four laps.
Awards will be presented at the end of each race, including free T-shirts for all competitors. Running spikes are not permitted.
Among the entertainment on offer throughout the day will be the One Comm Family Zone, featuring face painting, caricature portraits by artist Carlos Santana, free cotton candy, and lots of giveaways, including the One Comm Pomm Pomm Station to help cheer on the runners.
There will also be the Security Associates Kids Village, where youngsters can enjoy an assortment of bouncy castle experiences, including an obstacle course and a climbing wall.
Registration, costing $15 plus a $3 sign-up fee, is open until 6 pm on Friday, March 1.
