The Guardian Mile

Most community road miles take up to two years of planning to pull off, but the Guardian Mile, which made its debut last year, came together in roughly ten months. Community runners and elites alike have raved about the organization and unique course (two-time Olympic medalist Nick Willis did so on his personal Twitter account). The elite fields were internationally competitive and there were almost 350 registered runners. Organizers expect similarly competitive elite fields this year as the event returns. The Guardian Mile is actually a series of races. The Under Armour High School and Youth Heat is followed by the Ohio Sports Chiropractic & Rehab Community Heat (with first responders division included as mentioned above) and the Deloitte/Tom C. Loepp Law Competitive Masters Heat. The Monticello Associates Elite Heats (Women’s and Men’s) conclude the community races. The start line is at the corner of Lorain Ave. and West 24th St., and the first race begins at 7 p.m. Consult the website for more information. (Niesel) gohrun.org/themile.