Aviva London Grand Prix, Day 2, Lagat Wins Emsley Carr Mile! by Larry Eder

” I have always wanted to win this race. The Emsley Carr Mile is very important to me, as are you, the fans. Without you, we could not do our jobs!”

Bernard Lagat, Nike pre Classic, June 2009, photo by PhotoRun.net.
And so were the comments of one Bernard Lagat, who has joined the likes Seb Coe, Steve Ovett, Jim Beatty, HIcham El Guerroujj, Gordon Pirie, Ian Stewart, Peter Stewart, Gabe Jennings, in wining the 56 year old tribute to mile runners.
The famous book for the mile, where the competitors sign on the left page and winners sign on the right hand page, is in two volumes. The story is that Gordon Pirie, in 1953, signed on both sides, before the race, telling all who would listen that he would win-and he did.
Bernard Lagat follwed the pace of David Krummenacker, who took him through in 56.83, 1:54.9 and 2:56.2 (for the yard distances). Hitting 3:37 at the 1,500 meters, Lagat took only 15.03 to finish the mile in 3:52.72! Running closely behind was Leonel Manzano, followed by Lopez Lomong and Nate Brannen. Eleven men were under 3:58.9!
For complete results, please check: http://www.uka.org.uk/results/20090724_london/