-“New York’s Finest” – the New York City Police Department (NYPD) – and “New York’s Bravest” – the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) – will compete head-to-head to earn the title of “New York’s Fastest” for the first time ever at the 104th Millrose Games on Friday, January 28 at Madison Square Garden, USA Track & Field today announced.
The FDNY and NYPD runners today participated in trials to be part of the Millrose “New York’s Fastest” relay at the Armory in Washington Heights. The FDNY and the NYPD will each feature two four-man relay teams at the Millrose Games. The “New York’s Fastest” Relay is scheduled to start at 7:55 p.m.
“We look forward to the opportunity to prove that the NYPD is not only NYC’s Finest but also NYC’s Fastest,” said President of the NYPD Running Club and Retired Sergeant Tom Biggers.
FDNY Lt. Pete Critsimilios said: “The FDNY is thrilled to be competing in this year’s Millrose Games. As the oldest fire department in the country we are extremely excited to be a part of the oldest and most prestigious track and field event in the country. We look forward to a spirited competition with the NYPD.”
The NYPD vs. FDNY 4×1-lap relay showdown – 166 yards for one lap – will add to the excitement and pageantry of the Millrose Games, the longest running sporting event at famed Madison Square Garden and the first stop on USA Track & Field’s Visa Championship Series. More than 13,000 fans are expected to be in attendance as well as a nationally-televised audience (ESPN 2, 8-10 p.m.). Many Olympic track and field participants embrace the Millrose Games as a part of their respective seasons. Each year the highlight of the Millrose Games is the Wanamaker Mile, where this year Olympic medalist and American record holder Bernard Lagat will try to add another title to his record-setting eight victories.
Performance apparel company Under Armor will sponsor the 4×1-lap relay, donating $5,000 to the winning team’s foundation and $2,500 to the runner-up team. The NYPD will be running for the Police Athletic League; the FDNY for the FDNY Foundation.
“The FDNY vs. NYPD Relay Challenge at Madison Square Garden January 28th is the return of one of New York City’s greatest rivalries,” said Norb Sander, President of the Armory, the owner of the Millrose Games. “Whoever brings home the baton first in the 104th Millrose Games can add to the ‘Finest and the Bravest’ the out-and-out bragging rights to ‘New York’s Fastest.’ The Garden track will truly be on fire for this super intense relay race.”
“The Millrose Games is a quintessential New York event, and this year we are placing a special emphasis on really reconnecting the meet to the city,” said USA Track & Field Chief Public Affairs Officer Jill Geer. “Few things are as authentically New York as the fire and police departments. We’re thrilled to invite them to bring their athletic rivalry to Madison Square Garden and to have them be an important part of the world’s most historic indoor track meet.”
Tickets for the Millrose Games can be purchased by calling the Armory at 212.923-1903, extension 37, visiting www.armorytrack.com or at the Armory. Tickets are priced at $15, $40, $75, $85, $100 and $125.
