UP Mile Record Attempt
I started competitive running when I was in 7th grade where I raced for Houghton Middle School. It was here that my passion for the sport was born and the same competitive spark has stayed with me through my entire athletic career. Upon graduating from Houghton High School in 2018, I switched uniforms and began racing for the Michigan Tech Huskies.
It wasn't always a dream of mine to run in the NCAA, but thanks to my high school coaches they were able to give me a nudge in the right direction. While racing for Michigan Tech I found success racing middle-distance track events and on the cross country course. I currently hold the Michigan Tech school records in the 800m, 1500, and 10k (XC) as well being a 2 x All-American. My primary focus has been, and always will be, racing on the track, which is why I've decided to set out on a UP soil record attempt for the full US Mile (1609m). It is not exactly known what the current record is, but it is estimated to be about 4 minutes and 12 seconds (4:12). I believe it is well within my capabilities to add this to my list of records, and I couldn't ask for a better place to do it than in my home town and on my home track.
It only seems fitting that since my passion for the sport was born while racing for the Houghton Gremlins that all proceeds gathered from this event will be donated back to the program. I owe a lot of my success to my family and friends, but an unprecedented amount deserves to be given to my coaches and athletic staff at Houghton schools. Please consider supporting me in this event by participating in the community races or by showing up and cheering for myself and the other racers!
- Clayton Sayen
