Meck Mile returns with bigger groups, new date, and exciting plans

CHARLOTTE — Signups are underway for year two of the Meck Mile.

>>Click here for info on registration.

Many people watched the inaugural run on Channel 9 as hundreds took to the course around American Legion Memorial Stadium.

The Meck Mile is back with a few changes.

“As soon as it was over, we started talking about how do we make it bigger? How do we make it better? How do we bring more excitement around the event?” said Miller Yoho, the director of communications and marketing for the Charlotte Sports Foundation.

WSOC SECTION: Meck Mile

There will be larger groups for each heat, a later start for the recreational group and a new date for the race, May 10.

Last year, the community watched the inaugural race play out on Channel 9 with runners spanning 86 years old to one year old.

There were also athletes representing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and professional runners who participated.

“It still leaves me a little bit speechless to think how an idea has grown into an event, which has grown into something that we believe can be one of the top miles in America,” Yoho said. “I was looking at the numbers. (They) were already top 10 in attendance and participation in just year one.”

Year one included $22,000 in prize money and attendance exceeded 1,000 people.

Organizers hope to grow that number this year and continue to their mission to give back.

“One thing that’s close to all of our hearts is western North Carolina, so we have some plans on how to support that area and continue to bring awareness to the needs around Asheville,” Yoho said. “So we will be unveiling those plans but certainly something we are excited about.”

What truly counts is that everyone shares the same experience, Yoho said.

As the Meck Mile continues to expand, their goal is to keep kids enthusiastic and ensure that participants not only run their best but also improve their times compared to the previous year, Yoho said.

PAST VIDEO: Meck Mile offers race experience for runners of all experience levels