Webb, Douma-Hussar the winners on Fifth Avenue

[Ryan]

New York, USA - At the end of a long season, some of the world’s top milers showed they still had some kick left at the Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile. American mile record-holder Alan Webb of Reston, VA, thrilled the uproarious crowd lining Fifth Avenue as he pulled away from the lead pack in the final metres, with defending champion Kevin Sullivan of Canada a close second and John Rankin of San Diego, CA, third. The women’s winner, Canadian Carmen Douma-Hussar, ran the fastest time here since 1998 to upset defending champion Sara Hall of Big Bear Lake, CA, who finished third. Amy Mortimer of Providence, RI, was second.

A tailwind in the first quarter-mile of the race resulted in a conservative start from Webb, who was confident in allowing his DC Elite teammate, Chris Lukezic, to lead in the early stages. Lukezic maintained the lead to the half-mile (1:58), with former UCLA standout John Rankin in second. Webb patiently waited until the three-quarter mark before making a move, which Sullivan attempted to answer.

“I covered all of the moves that were made,” Sullivan said. “I was lucky and I got on Alan’s shoulder, and he’s great to follow. For a bit in that last 100, I thought I might be able to sneak by him, but he had another gear.” When they had 100 metres left, a spectator gasped that Webb might be celebrating prematurely, as Sullivan made a final surge to try to erase Webb’s tiny lead. But, after a disappointing eighth-place finish at the World Championships 1500m in Osaka, Webb was determined to end his otherwise excellent season on a high note. He broke the tape in 3:52.7. Sullivan’s chase ended in 3:52.9, and Rankin followed in 3:53.3.

IAAF article