by Jeff Benjamin
Morgan McDonald, photo by You Tube
This is the second of Jeff Benjamins’ Q & A’s with Millrose Games Wanamaker Milers. Morgan McDonald is that exciting, quick responding Badger (On Wisconsin), who has taken NCAA titles in cross country, indoor and outdoor!
Morgan McDonald has PBs of 3:39 at 1,500m, 3;54.63 at mile, 7:42.76 at 3000m, and 13:15.83 at 5000m. This Aussie is tough on the boards, and won the 3000m at Millrose in 2019. What can he do in 2020?
After graduating from UW Madison, Morgan McDonald now competes for Under Armour.
Thanks to Jeff Benjamin and our friend, NYRR Millrose meet director Ray Flynn.
3 Questions For NYRR Millrose Games Wanamaker Mile Runner Morgan McDonald
By Jeff Benjamin
Morgan McDonald seems to excel at a variety of distances. The Australian competed in the 5000 at last years World Championships in Doha, and also won the. HOKA Long Island Mile last September in a time of 3:54.63. The Wisconsin standout, who also won the NCAA 5000 last year, is no stranger to the Armory Track, as he competed in the 3000m in NYC in 2019.
Known for making decisive moves, what will McDonald do in a star-studded Wanamaker Mile field?
1) How Did You Start Out in the Sport?
I started out like most kids by doing cross country at school! I played a lot of soccer up until I was 16, and at that point I made the decision to commit to running and to focus on being the best at it that I could be.
2) What is it about the Millrose Games that motivates you to compete there?
I love everything about Millrose. New York is such a fun city to me, and racing at the Armory is one of the best atmospheres out there. When you combine that with the history of the meet and the quality of the fields, its certainly a race that you want to be part of, and is very easy to enjoy.
3) What ideas/encouragement/advice can you suggest to young athletes hoping to one day compete in Millrose at the highest level?
Have fun!
