First-time champions crowned in both genders for sixth straight year at Meredith College; Pop Up Miles winner Quattlebaum earns bonus for his first career sub-4 performance

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Chris O’Hare and Cory McGee were crowned first-time elite champions Friday at the sixth annual Sir Walter Miler at Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C.

Despite lightning delays and rain, competition finally resumed after 10 p.m. EDT, with New Balance professional McGee clocking 4 minutes, 27.87 seconds to prevail in the women’s race after placing fourth in 2016 and third last year.

O’Hare, a Scottish professional making his Sir Walter Miler debut, led an adidas sweep of the top three spots in the men’s race, running 3:54.81 to edge Americans Sam Prakel (3:54.90) and Eric Avila (3:55.75).

McGee and O’Hare both received winner’s prizes of $1,000, in addition to $200 time bonuses for running under 4:28 and 3:57, respectively. In the history of the event, there has yet to be a repeat champion or two-time champion in either gender.

Robert Domanic, representing Reebok Boston Track Club, placed fourth in 3:57.34, Patrick Joseph of Tinman Elite ran a personal-best 3:57.62 to finish fifth, with Brooks Beasts athlete David Ribich also producing a PR of 3:57.83.

James Quattlebaum, a former Clemson athlete who won the Pop Up Miles men’s championship race June 28 at Meredith College to earn entry into the Sir Walter Miler elite field, ran a personal-best 3:58.62 to finish sixth earn a $400 bonus for his first time eclipsing the 4-minute barrier.

Quattlebaum became the 12th athlete to produce his first career sub-4 effort at the Sir Walter Miler, which has now amassed 47 sub-4 performances in meet history.

Lauren Johnson, the 2016 champion representing adidas and the Boston Athletic Association, finished second in the women’s race in 4:28.14.

First-year Nike professional Jessica Harris, a recent Notre Dame graduate, ran a personal-best 4:30.03 to finish third and Oiselle professional Rebecca Mehra, representing Little Wing, also produced a PR of 4:33.42 to finish fourth.

Heidi See, the inaugural women’s champion in 2014, took fifth in 4:33.85, New Balance professional and former Providence standout Millie Paladino – competing for Ocean State Athletic Club – placed sixth in 4:34.26, with 2015 winner and New Balance professional Stephanie Garcia finishing seventh in 4:35.31.