The British Miler

The Armory hosted the new generation of British milers on Thursday evening as New Balance launched The British Miler, a multi-platform initiative leading up to the London Games.

The initiative captures the history and excitement of the mile event in Britain as it highlights seven British Team New Balance 1500m runners on their journey to represent their country in London in 2012. The official UK launch of The British Miler program takes place on Feb. 23, in London.

Set against the backdrop of Britain’s proud history in the mile and 1500m events that dates back to the pace-setting achievements of Sir Roger Bannister in 1954, The British Miler will capture the heritage and hope of middle distance running in Britain. The program follows 2008 Olympic finalist, Andy Baddeley, and seven of Britain’s best: Tom Lancashire, Lee Emanuel, Colin McCourt, Nick McCormick, James Brewer and Ricky Stevenson as they compete for one of only three available places on the 2012 British team.

Baddeley, Stevenson, McCourt and Brewer will all be running the men's elite mile at the New Balance Games at The Armory on Saturday (along with New Jersey high school star Edward Cheserek).

The program explores the personal journeys of the athletes, how they balance a grueling training program with injuries, stress and sacrifice, and the effect of the physical and mental pressure on their lives and their relationships with one another.

“I’m proud to be involved in ‘The British Miler’ initiative,” said Team New Balance 1500m runner Andy Baddeley. “I believe this documentary will give viewers insights into the level of preparation and emotional investment that goes into competing at the highest level.”

Produced by renowned sports documentary makers KIMbia Athletics, the documentary also features comprehensive archive content and interviews with experts within the field of running to provide a timeless record for fans of the sport.

The British Miler incorporates a fully edited and serialized documentary, narrated by former Olympian Richard Nerurkar that will be available across multiple broadcast and on-line platforms, including www.thebritishmiler.com. An on-line and social media campaign will offer access to additional content including exclusive interviews with athletes and running experts and athlete blogs. New Balance will also commemorate The British Miler story with a UK TV advertising campaign that will launch in March 2012, in-store marketing at select New Balance retailers and a limited edition The British Miler running shoe.