High School Runner Who Cracked the State’s H.S. Four-Minute Mile Barrier Considers Throwing Next Race

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runner crossing tape
Image via Archbishop Wood High School at Facebook.
Gary Martin.

A record-setting athlete at a competition immediately following the standout performance can face an awful burden. Competitor and fan expectations are understandably high, ramping up pressure. But Archbishop Wood runner Gary Martin — who recently ran a state-historic under-four-minute mile — is taking a unique approach to his next appearance: the Bucks County Mile. Wayne Fish tracked the story for the Bucks County Courier Times.

Martin is planning to attend the June 26 mile run at Council Rock High School – North, schedule permitting. And if onsite, he may very well toe the starting line and take off with fellow competitors, according to race director Pat McCloskey.

But if the record-setting athlete tackles the course, it will be just for fun, McCloskey reported.

In fact, he and Martin have kidded about intentionally coming in last, enabling “everyone [to] say they ran a race against Gary Martin and beat him,’’ said McCloskey.

It would certainly be in character. Martin has a well-earned reputation for giving back to the sport by encouraging younger competitors and supporting teammates.

McCloskey characterizes Martin as “the nicest kid on the planet.”

More on Gary Martin and his possible participation (and loss) in the Bucks County Mile is at the Bucks County Courier Times.

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