Australia’s richest middle distance race the Mitchell Street Mile is back for 2017.

Athletics NT President Kevin Mulvahil said this year’s event will be held on Sunday 17 September.

“The Mitchell Street Mile is now cemented as a key event in the Australian distance running calendar and is going from strength to strength each year,” Mr Mulvahil said.

Now in its fourth year, the 1609 metre (one mile) event is run through iconic Mitchell Street in Darwin’s city centre and is jointly funded by the Northern Territory Government and Athletics NT.

"It's already grown to be one of Darwin’s favourite community events and we are hoping to get a strong field of national and international champions for the elite men’s and women’s events including our golden couple Ryan Gregson and Genevieve La Caze.”

The Department of Tourism and Culture, Executive Director Sport and Recreation Phillip Leslie said along with the elite events, the highly contested categories for kids, families, services personnel, fancy dress and the cycling criterium will also be back.

“The Mitchell Street Mile is the richest road mile in the world and the hottest mile in the southern hemisphere and is not only a great event to take part in but also a fun and entertaining time for spectators and the whole family to enjoy,” said Mr Leslie.

“There will be prizes for each category, including the primary students and youth run. The richest race of the day will be the first prize in each of the men’s and women’s elite categories.”

In 2016 over 800 people participated in the various races and over 4000 people lined Mitchell Street to watch and cheer them on.

Mr Leslie added “the event brings an electric atmosphere to the city and competitors get a buzz and encouragement from the crowds of people clapping and cheering for them. The city comes alive and local businesses capitalise on the influx of people and we are sure 2017 will be ever bigger and better.”

Registrations will be open from early June.

More information is available from: www.mitchellstreetmile.com.au

Attachments: Images from the 2016 Mitchell Street Mile

Media contact: Department of Tourism and Culture - Media Manager: 0476 844 832