Posted: April 28, 2004

Athletics: Mercedes Benz Congress Avenue Mile Recruiting Athletes

Mercedes Benz of Austin Congress Avenue Mile, South Step of the State Capital, Austin, TX - Saturday, May 15, 2004

"Run Every Red Light!"

Come run the fastest mile in town. Mercedes Benz of Austin and the RunTex Foundation are proud to present the 2004 Mercedes Benz of Austin Congress Avenue Mile.

This yearly tradition returns to downtown Austin on May 15, 2004 at 4:00pm. Heats will start near the south steps of the State Capital and finish on the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Up for grabs this year is a Mercedes Benz Sports Coupe, to any man or women who can set a course record. The current mens course record of 3:47:26 was set by Michal Bartoszak in 1992. The women's record of 4:24:00 was set by Patti Sue Plumer.

The race organizers of the Mercedes Benz Congress Avenue Mile have established the following prize money structure for the race, scheduled for Saturday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m.

Men -
1. $500 (sub-4 only.) + $500 if sub-3:50 + Use of 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sports Coup for one year if new event record (+ travel reimbursement up to $300)
2. $400 (sub-4 only)
3. $300 (sub-4 only)
4. $200 (sub-4 only)
5. $100 (sub-4 only)
Women -
1. $500 (sub-4:30 only) + $500 if sub-4:25 + Use of 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sports Coup for one year if new event record (+travel reimbursement up to $300)
2. $400 (sub-4:30 only)
3. $300 (sub-4:30 only)
4. $200 (sub-4:30 only)
5. $100 (sub-4:30 only)

Prize money will be paid out for top-5 sub-4:00 (men) and sub-4:30 (women) performances only.

Travel reimbursement is for the winner only. Winner must run sub-4:00 (men) or sub-4:30 (women) to be eligible for travel money.

The course is a USATF certified 1 mile. Point to point and downhill. Considered very fast. 11 men were under 4-flat and 6 women were under 4:30 last year.

Complimentary hotel rooms are available for selected elite athletes.

Course records:
Men: 3:47.26 Michael Bartozak
Women: 4:24:00. Patti Sue Plummer

2003 winners:
Men: 3:49.10 Jason Lunn (5th place, Jesse Strutzel = 3:51.30)
Women: 4:26.85 Nicole Jefferson (5th place, Mardrea Hyman = 4:29.50)

Interested athletes or agents should contact John Conley via email by May 13 at John.conley@motorolamarathon.com
Ph: (512) 536-6970

The race website is at: www.congressavenuemile.com.