Record-Breaking 10th Annual Fleet Feet Liberty Mile

July 23, 2021

Sinclaire Johnson breaks course record, and more than 1300 participants hit the streets of Downtown Pittsburgh for the city’s fastest road race

PITTSBURGH (July 23, 2021) – More than 1,300 participants took to the streets in Downtown Pittsburgh’s only nighttime road race, the largest participation in event history. The event was P3R’s first live race in Pittsburgh since 2019.

“To have a record number of runners at our first live start line since 2019 was a tremendous experience,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “The excitement and adrenaline were palpable as runners prepared to run their best mile yet, and all of us at P3R are excited to see these runners continue to move with us this fall.”

The event attracted top American runners with $28,200 in guaranteed prize money, one of the largest Mile prize purses in the U.S. The women’s professional field started strong and ended in a record-breaking finish as Sinclaire Johnson of Nike Bowerman Track Club clocked 4:27. Vincent Ciattei of Nike OTC Elite took the victory in the men’s field clocking 3 minutes, 59 seconds, tying the course record. Both Johnson and Ciattei earned $5,000 each for their victories.

In the Women’s Pro Heat, Shannon Osika led the pack at the halfway point with Sinclaire Johnson and Grace Barnett close behind. Johnson made her first move near the three-quarter mile mark to match Osika’s pace. Johnson then took the lead in the final 800 meters to win the event by 3 seconds with a time of 4:27, breaking the women’s event record by 2 seconds and earning a $2,000 bonus for the feat.

“When we went through the 400, I knew we were going to be on track to break the record today, and it’s not like it’s that soft of a record, too. So it feels pretty good, especially running my first road mile,” said Sinclaire Johnson, Pro Women’s Champion. “It was so much fun having the crowd on almost the entire course cheering for you, even if they don’t know who you are. Being involved with that is a lot of fun.”

In the Men’s Pro Heat, Colby Alexander took an early lead with the rest of the elite field right behind him at a 4-minute mile pace. As they approached the turn, Vincent Ciattei took the lead with Craig Nowak behind and Colby Alexander in third. In the final 800 meters, Ciattei secured his lead, Craig Engels came from behind to join Ciattei and Alexander on the podium.

“It was really special to have the crowds. This was my first professional win in three years of running, so I haven’t had the autograph signing moment,” said Vincent Ciattei, Male Pro Champion. “When you get this atmosphere, you want more of the thrill and rush, so I am honored to inspire the high school athletes that were here.”

For full results, visit: www.LibertyMile.org.

This event is the second stop on the 2021 #RUNwithP3R Challenge. Runners who complete a Virtual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon event, the Fleet Feet Liberty Mile and the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler in 2021 will earn a bonus medal in November.

The race has been consistently recognized as one of the “The 35 Most Iconic American Races” by Runner’s World and was on BibRave’s list of Top 20 10-Miles-or-Less races in the country in 2020.

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About the Fleet Feet Liberty Mile

Organized by P3R, the Fleet Feet Liberty Mile is short, fast and fun for runners of all ages and abilities. Pittsburgh’s premier street race offers a $28,000 prize purse. Read more at: LibertyMile.org

FACEBOOK:  LibertyMile TWITTER:  @LibertyMile  HASHTAG:  #LibertyMile

About P3R
P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to MOVE with us. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R runs a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. Anyone and everyone is invited to #RUNwithP3R! Read more at: P3R.org

FACEBOOK: RUNwithP3R   TWITTER: @RUNwithP3R  INSTAGRAM: RUNwithP3R