By T. Patrick O'Dowd
New York, New York, USA - Mark Carroll began the year 2000 by winning 12,000 US dollars! Carroll won the New Balance Mile in 3:54.98, more than 2 seconds ahead of runner-up American Richie Boulet (3:57.00). The New Balance Games took place on the new supremely fast Armory indoor track in New York City on Saturday, 8 January. The prize money for the elite events was $2000-1000-500 for places 1-3. There was bonus money for the Elite Miles only with $10,000 for winner if they break the event record. Boulet (3:57.89) held the record in the men's mile with Sinead Delahunty holding the women's mark of 4:31.96.
After the race Mark Carroll told David Monti of Race Results Weekly, "I felt very relaxed for 800m, probably because it wasn't so quick. In the third quarter, Richie [Boulet] began to make a move, and I covered the move. I think from that point on it was strength. I have spent almost a month in Gainesville, Florida doing more specific track work. This year, I'm focusing on an indoor season, which I have not done before. I've had more turnover in January than I've every had before." When asked if he would return to meet again next year, the Irishman replied, "Of course! Do you know how hard it is to make $10,000 in track and field today?"
Kilkenny's Sinead Delahunty was back to defend her title and a chance at the $10,000 bonus. In a losing effort, the second place Delahunty set a new Irish national indoor record of 4:30.41, surpassed her Armory record and earned $1,000. American Regina Jacobs, the women's 1,500-meter silver medallist at last year's World Championships won the women's mile in 4:21.79 also netting a $12,000 payday. Sinead Delahunty surpassed her own Armory record, and set a new Irish national indoor record of 4:30.41.
Neville Davey placed second in the men's Invitational 3,000 metres running 8:17.63. Davey (Co. Mayo) also left New York $1,000 richer.
Mark Carroll Photos Courtesy of David Monti Race Results Weekly