The racing of a road mile requires in-depth knowledge of the sport and a keen understanding of your competition and a focus on the finish line. The competition can close in nanoseconds. Saturday, June 21, 2008 the 21st First Bank Loudoun Street Mile will be contested at 8:30 AM in Winchester, VA. Once a year, Loudoun Street becomes the one mile track for some of areas top runners. The tradition started in 1998 as the two champions Brian Martin (4:17) and Ruth Riemenschneider (5:14) set into motion the momentum which continues today.

First Bank along with Valley Health, Runners' Retreat, and The River 95.3 with additional sponsors bring another year of exciting racing. The Laurel Center (formerly the Winchester Shelter for Abused Women) is the race beneficiary. The race raised in excess of $3,000 last year with a goal to exceed that amount for 2008.

The Laurel Center is the only agency in Winchester area providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. For the community, the Laurel Center provides education, public awareness, support groups, advocacy, information, and referral as well as crisis intervention.

The USATF certified course starts at Blue Ridge Electric (1604 S. Loudoun Street) and the finish is at the Courthouse (20 N. Loudoun Street). It is a dash for cash (equal for men and women) for the top runners in the open, masters (age 40+), and grand masters (age 50+). Between the start and finish line is the heart of the race. If you have the will, then here is why:

Open: 1st- $300; 2nd- $200; 3rd- $100
Master: 1st- $100; 2nd- $50
Grand Master: 1st- $50

Age group awards: Men: 6-8, 9-11, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40- 44, 45-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Women: 6-8, 9-11, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40- 49, 50-59, 60+

No duplication of prize money

Registration on race day will be held at Runner's Retreat, 135 N. Loudoun Street (north of the finish line).

In 1993, Jama Bile (originally from Somalia) set the male open record with 4:07. In the same year at Central Arizona College he ran 1:49.25 for 800 meters and 3:44.89 for 1500 meter. He is the brother of four-time Olympian Abdi Bile who was ranked first in the world in one mile with a best time of 3:47.55 (1989).

The female open record was set in 2007 by Teyba Nasir of Ethiopia in 4:52.1 breaking the record of 4:54 by Becky Dennison in 1999. The only four time winner has been Ruth Riemenscheider (1988-5:14, 1989-5:33, 1991-5:21, and 1992- 5:32).

The fastest male master time since 1998 was set in 1999 by Chris Fox at 4:14. He came back in 2002 and ran 4:44.98.

Mark Stickley of Winchester, VA is a three time winner, 2003- 4:38, 2004-4:35 and 2005-4:38.

The fastest female master winning time was set by overall winner Alisa Harvey of Manassas, VA, with a time of 4:55 (this is the third fastest overall time). Maria Spinnler of Hagerstown, MD is a three-time winner, 2003-5:21, 2004-5:18, and 2005-5:30.

For race details visit www.loudounstreetmile.com or contact Mark Stickley at 540-665-8394.