The prestigious Millrose Games, now in its 118th year, will take place this Sunday in New York, drawing significant Irish interest like never before. Established in 1908 by Wanamaker’s Department Store employees, the event has become synonymous with the men’s mile, named after the historic Wanamaker Mile race.
Originally hosted at Madison Square Garden, the Millrose Games have been held at the specially designed New York Armory for the past 14 years, a venue that offers an efficient 200m indoor track. This year, Andrew Coscoran leads a strong Irish contingent with hopes of becoming the first Irish winner in 26 years. He recently showcased his capabilities by finishing second in the 3,000m at a Boston meet in a remarkable time of 7:30.97. Additionally, Coscoran improved the Irish indoor mile record to 3:49.29 at last year’s Millrose Games, giving him plenty of confidence heading into this weekend.
Cian McPhillips, another standout Irish athlete, will compete in the 800m, facing a formidable field that includes two former world champions. McPhillips previously won the high school boys’ mile at Millrose in 2020 and now aims to secure an automatic qualifying time of 1:45.90 for the upcoming World Indoor Championships in Poland. His recent victory in the 600m in Boston against notable competitors further positions him as a strong contender.
The history of the Wanamaker Mile boasts remarkable Irish achievements, with legends such as Ronnie Delany, who won the race four times starting in 1956, and Eamonn Coghlan, who set the initial indoor mile barrier by breaking the 3:50 mark in 1983. The event has notably seen substantial Irish success, with the likes of Marcus O’Sullivan and Mark Carroll also securing victories.
While the Wanamaker Mile remains the highlight, the Millrose Games showcases a range of talent across various events, including races for youth and collegiate athletes, creating an inclusive atmosphere that fosters the next generation of track stars. With larger participation from top athletes in recent years and a vibrant community around the event, the Millrose Games continues to embody a long-standing tradition of excellence in athletics, signaling an exciting weekend ahead for fans and competitors alike.