In his B.A.A. Invitational Mile debut, Calgary’s Aaron Ahl rose to the occasion, placing second on Boston’s Boylston Street in four minutes and eight seconds.
Ahl made his push on the final lap of three 535-metre laps around Boston’s Boylston and Newbury streets, placing second behind American middle-distance runner Casey Comber, who took the win in four minutes and seven seconds.
Casey Comber 🇺🇸 takes it on the final lap!
Aaron Ahl 🇨🇦 of Calgary crosses the line for 🥈!!!
What a tight finish.#baamile pic.twitter.com/uqsAOjTze1
— Canadian Running (@CanadianRunning) April 13, 2024
The race got off to a quick start as British runner, Henry McLuckie led through the first two laps, gaping the field by almost 50 metres. McLuckie was caught by Ahl and Comber with 200 metres to go. “I told myself to stay relaxed and in a good position,” Ahl told Canadian Running post-race on his strategy. “This was a confidence booster.”
Ahl, who trains in Victoria with Horizon Track Club under well-known distance coach Mark Rowland, says he’s changed up his training a lot. “I am just doing more,” emphasizes Ahl.
The 25-year-old was the top Canadian finisher in Saturday morning’s B.A.A. Invitational Mile, with Corey Bellemore and Rob Heppenstall finishing seventh and 10th, respectively.
Ahl says it’s back to training but has a big year planned ahead. “I am switching from the 1,500m to the steeplechase; haven’t done it since high school, but I am giving it a go at the end of the month,” he says. “I think I can knock out an Olympic qualifier on points or time by the end of the season.”
Aaron Ahl 🇨🇦 on his second-place performance in the BAA Mile:
The 1,500m runner from Calgary has a big 2024 season planned. Plus, he says he’s moving to new event 👀#baamile pic.twitter.com/tDswyvjgBu
— Canadian Running (@CanadianRunning) April 13, 2024
In the women’s mile, American steeplechaser Krissy Gear defended her B.A.A. mile win from 2023, crossing the line in four minutes and 42 seconds. Swedish 800m athlete Yolanda Ngarambe was second behind Gear, and for the second consecutive year, British runner Elizabeth Bird finished third.
Canada’s Jazz Shukla finished fifth in 4:47, and Erin Teschuk was sixth in 4:48.
For full results from the B.A.A. Invitational Mile, check here.
