An Empire State of Mind

The surprise winner of the 1,500-meter run at the IAAF World Championships, Jenny Simpson, headlines the field for the New York Road Runners' Fifth Avenue Mile, scheduled for Sept. 24.

Simpson — the first American woman to win that world title since Mary Decker in 1983 — represents New Balance, which placed a modified Armory logo in her gold medal shoes in South Korea.

"After winning a World Championship medal, I can't think of a more American place to return than New York City," said Simpson. "I want to share the excitement of my season with everyone who had touched my career in a positive way. The Fifth Avenue Mile's spirit of community running and celebration will be the perfect stage for me to complete my season. I'm so excited to be a part of it!"

The women's mile, which runs southward alongside Central Park between 80th and 60th Streets, will also feature World silver medalists Sally Kipyego and Hannah England along with Shannon Rowbury and Alysia Montano.

Montano, who specializes in the 800-meter run, joked that her experience in the distance leading to the Fifth Avenue Mile "is that of my fifth grade Presidential Award fitness test."

On the men's side, two-time Olympic medalist and Millrose Games favorite Bernard Lagat will square off with defending champion Amine Laalou of Morocco and U.S. 800-meter champ Nick Symmonds.

Lagat said that he will "be tough to beat in New York." The 36-year-old added, "I said I'm coming until I win it, so this year I'm going to win it and will be prepared for that."

The NYRR website reports that children can celebrate Worldwide Day of Play at the Fifth Avenue Mile with a heat for children ages 8-14, and free activities for youth of all ages in the activity area: relay races, hula hoop contests, parachute games, and more, from 9:30 am to noon.

Spectators can cheer from along the course or in the finish area, where bleachers provide first-class views of runners making their final kick.