This interview is part of a series developed by Jeff Benjamin, on the amazing mile fields in the Millrose Games Wanamaker Millrose Mile Games. Jeff sent questions out to a plethora of milers, and thankfully, many of them responded.
Eric Jenkins is one of the fine new generation of middle distance runners, with talents from 1,500m to 5000m. Outdoor PBs for Eric Jenkins go from 1:51.58 at 800m, 3:35.94 at 1,500m, 3:57.09 at the mile, 7:38.19 at 3000m, 13:07.33 at 5000m, and a 10,000m PB of 27:48.02. Indoor PBs for Eric are impressive; 3:53.23 for the mile, 7:49.43 at 3000m, and a fab 13:05.85 at 5000m.
Eric Jenkins, Millrose Champion, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Eric Jenkins and the writer, Jeff Benjamin, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Four Quick Questions With NYRR Millrose Games Wanamaker Mile Champion Eric Jenkins
By Jeff Benjamin
NIKE’s Eric Jenkins is no stranger to success in New York City. A Collegiate All-American, Jenkins has won the 5th Avenue Mile and is the 2017 NYRR Millrose Games Wanamaker Mile Champion. Just like every other miler, Jenkins, no doubt would love to reclaim his Championship Trophy.
1.How did you get started in the Sport?
” I started out running cross country in middle school and kept at it. I ran cross country all through high school and then did track for the first time my senior year after colleges started showing me interest after the cross country season.”
2. When was the first time you saw elite athletes compete live and how didr that influence you?
” I think the first time I would say I saw elite athletes compete live was the end of my freshman year of college watching the NCAA championships after I got eliminated from the first round of the 1500.”
3) What is it about the Millrose Games that motivates you to compete there especially as a Wanamaker Champion?
“I love racing indoors. There’s a fantastic energy and atmosphere that comes with it, especially at the armory. The Wanamaker Mile brings out the best competition and makes it fun and fast.”
4) What ideas/encouragement/advice can you suggest to young athletes hoping to one day compete in Millrose at the highest level?
” If I could suggest anything to young athletes it would be to have fun racing and training. If you genuinely enjoy it then you’ll learn to do the right things. Staying healthy, and listening to your body is most important to staying consistent. And the best athletes are the most consistent ones. It sounds cheesy but it’s the truth.”
