September 8, 2024 • 8 mins
Karissa Schweizer and Josh Kerr recap their 5th Avenue Mile Wins!
Olympian and Broadcaster Carrie Tollefson steps in today to interview the winners of today's spectacular New Balance 5th Avenue Mile. Hear from them both as they reveal what their strategies were behind their thrilling wins on 5th Avenue this morning, including a course record for Josh Kerr, and a tie with the course record for Karissa Schweizer.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Rob Simmelkjaer (00:00):
New York Road Runners is a non- profit organization with
a vision to build healthier lives and stronger communities through
the transformative power of running. The support of members and
donors like you helps us achieve our mission to transform
the health and well- being of our communities through inclusive
and accessible running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential.
(00:21):
Learn more and contribute at nyrr. org/ donate.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Thank you, New York. Today we're reminded of the power
of community and the power of coming together. Athletes, on
your mark.
Josh Kerr (00:41):
The first woman to finish for the second straight year
here in the New York City Marathon is Miki Gorman, a
smiling Miki Gorman. And why not? 2
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Look at the emotion of Shalane Flanagan as she comes
to the line. Pointing to his chest, pointing to the
USA he so proudly wears across his chest. A great
day for Meb Keflezighi.
Rob Simmelkjaer (01:10):
Hey everybody, and welcome to a special edition of Set
the Pace presented by Peloton. I'm your host and the
CEO of New York Roadrunners, Rob Simmelkjaer. And what an
incredible day we had today at the New Balance Fifth
Avenue Mile. Not only was there a new course record
on the men's side by our defending champion, Josh Kerr,
but on the women's side it was Karissa Schweizer pulling
(01:31):
ahead for a win and a spot- on tie with
the women's course record set by Laura Muir back in
2022. But today, of course was today for runners of
all ages, abilities, and goals. We had more than 8,
000 runners from age two to 91 sprint their way
down the iconic Fifth Avenue on what was a perfect
fall day. If you weren't at the race and you
(01:54):
weren't able to watch the broadcast live on WABC, you
can actually go and check it out now on ESPN
Plus. It's available there on demand. One of the people
who called that race today was Carrie Tollefson. She was
also there to interview our winners, Josh Kerr and Karissa Schweizer.
Carrie Tollefson (02:11):
All right, we're standing here in Central Park right outside
of drug testing where you two can hopefully fill up
your bottles here pretty fast. But actually right by the
finish line, we heard you were discussing your races. So
Josh, let's hear what that conversation was like first from
you and then we'll come to you, Karissa.
Josh Kerr (02:26):
Well, I love watching the women's race. It gives me
inspiration. The only reason I ran like that is because
of how Laura Muir ran a couple years ago. But
we don't get to watch the women's race, so I was
just asking Karissa how it went and how the race
went. So I'm excited to watch it back. But yeah,
they set a good stage for us.
Carrie Tollefson (02:41):
Yeah, you really kind of were patient until 800 meters
and then you were just like, " Okay, see ya, everybody."
Josh Kerr (02:48):
Yeah, I felt good going up the hill and I think you
can disguise a move at halfway where people think you're
going for the halfway bonus and then just keep pressing.
So thought it was a good idea and then with
600 to go, I was like, " This is actually a
terrible idea." And then before on the go, I was
like, "Okay, we got this." So it was fine.
Carrie Tollefson (03:02):
How do you regroup when you are like, " Oh no,
I still have quite a bit of racing to go
and I'm tired."?
Josh Kerr (03:07):
You just got to rely on the legs a little
bit and it ends up only being about a minute
left. So you just kind of close your eyes and
hope, really.
Carrie Tollefson (03:14):
Well, it was the huge crowds following you, Josh. There were a
bunch of women taking pictures and your fiance was so
graceful, but I mean, it must be really fun right
now. Everybody is excited for you. They all want to
give you a high five. What does it feel like
being here in New York and having everybody know you?
Josh Kerr (03:31):
It's nice. I think trying to be a bit more
of an open book and show my process as much
as possible because I don't think this is something that
only really, really talented people can do. It's like hard
work and consistent days can get you great results and
I hope that's what everyone feels like. There was some
great masses running today and I hope that us in
the men's race, and I'm sure the women's races as
well, are all inspiring those athletes to go out and
(03:52):
be their best. So that's all that we can do
and it's really fun to be able to connect with
the fans and the athletes that we're racing earlier.
Carrie Tollefson (04:00):
You have a big entourage, you have a big team.
So this team, you always say, " We, we, we." That's
important to you, your team.
Josh Kerr (04:06):
Yeah, I think the team's grown every year, but it's
people that I've been friends with for 10, 15 years are
coming on and helping out as much as they can
and it's really nice to look left and right have
family members and best friends as part helping you out
and being able to bring back gold medals and medals
and everything and records and stuff back to them just
validates their job and I'm trying to let them be
(04:28):
proud of what they do.
Carrie Tollefson (04:29):
Records, you just said record. You set a big one
today. 1981, Sydney Maree held it since then and today
you blew it out of the water.
Josh Kerr (04:37):
Yeah, I mean, Sydney Maree had multiple records and world
records and everything, so I was just looking to etch
my name in the history books and I'm at a
part of my career where I'm just trying to leave
as much of a legacy as I can. Being able
to follow in the footsteps at Sydney is massive. I
was able to do it in college and I'm just
looking to continue to do that as a professional.
Carrie Tollefson (04:56):
Yeah, and now done. You're all done until next, well,
what, February maybe?
Josh Kerr (05:00):
Yeah. I don't know yet, I don't know. I mean,
I'm never going to turn down a Melrose call, so
we'll see what happens. But yeah, I'm sure I'll do something in the fall.
Carrie Tollefson (05:08):
Awesome job. Congratulations on everything.
Josh Kerr (05:10):
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Carrie Tollefson (05:11):
All right, Karissa, your turn. Oh, my goodness. Now, today
was a big day for you, but you said you
don't even know if this is the end of your season.
Karissa Schweizer (05:19):
Yeah, I'm not sure. Yeah, I feel like I'm just
kind of building some momentum. I had a bit of
a hiccup in the spring, so it just feels like I'm just
getting started, so I want to just keep going, but
I know that's going to bode well for next year.
Carrie Tollefson (05:30):
Well, walk us through your race a little bit. I
mean, you were right there up in front or in
the early stages, but then kind of sat back in
a little bit. Talk us through the race.
Karissa Schweizer (05:39):
Yeah, just being a 5K, 10K runner, I was so nervous
for the start. I was just like, " Oh, just get
out fast. Go with them and don't panic if it
feels too fast." But I feel like it was quick
first 400 and they said... People told me that it just kind
of slows with the second 400 with uphill. So I just
kind of was pressing there just to make it more
of a strength race and then just kind of tried
(06:00):
to coast it in. I was like, " Okay, we just
got downhill from here."
Carrie Tollefson (06:03):
But you really turned it on and you won by
quite a bit by that last 400. You had something
left in you.
Karissa Schweizer (06:09):
Yeah, I kind of just started to kick and then
when Dorcas came on me, I just was like, " Okay,
I'm just going to relax and gear up for a
second kick." And I definitely wasn't expecting to have that
much left with it.
Carrie Tollefson (06:21):
Yeah, yeah. So coming here, this is your first New
York Road Runner event. I mean, a lot of people
that come to New York Road Runner events come back
for many, many more races. So can we hear a
little bit about that?
Karissa Schweizer (06:32):
Yeah, the energy was awesome. I've watched so many of
these races and I've always wanted to race one. It
just hasn't worked out well for me and I had
so much fun out there, so I'll definitely be back.
Carrie Tollefson (06:43):
So maybe a 5K in the fall, maybe 26.2 in the future?
Karissa Schweizer (06:48):
I hope so. I hope one day.
Carrie Tollefson (06:49):
So when you cracked the tape, though, I mean, you
ran 4
is right where the record was. Was that on your mind?
Karissa Schweizer (06:58):
Not at all. I feel like even just last night
I was kind of like, " Oh, you could win this
thing." So I just was like, " Okay, let's just focus
on just executing a good race and just believe in
yourself and give yourself a shot."
Carrie Tollefson (07:12):
So what do you do here in this big city? I
mean, you have to go celebrate this, so what are
you going to do?
Karissa Schweizer (07:17):
Yeah, I don't know yet. My boyfriend's here and we're
just going to roam around and we'll probably... Actually, I
think we're going to go to the Liberty game tonight.
Carrie Tollefson (07:25):
Oh, that's fun. Well, congratulations on everything. You have been
on this comeback trail. All of us here in America
and around the world that are fans of yours have
been watching you go and run the 5,000, the 10, 000 at the
Olympic Games again and now winning here at Fifth Avenue.
Awesome job. Congratulations on everything.
Karissa Schweizer (07:40):
Yes, thank you for having me.
New York Road Runners is a non- profit organization with
a vision to build healthier lives and stronger communities through
the transformative power of running. The support of members and
donors like you helps us achieve our mission to transform
the health and well- being of our communities through inclusive
and accessible running experiences, empowering all to achieve their potential.
(00:21):
Learn more and contribute at nyrr. org/ donate.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Thank you, New York. Today we're reminded of the power
of community and the power of coming together. Athletes, on
your mark.
Josh Kerr (00:41):
The first woman to finish for the second straight year
here in the New York City Marathon is Miki Gorman, a
smiling Miki Gorman. And why not? 2
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Look at the emotion of Shalane Flanagan as she comes
to the line. Pointing to his chest, pointing to the
USA he so proudly wears across his chest. A great
day for Meb Keflezighi.
Rob Simmelkjaer (01:10):
Hey everybody, and welcome to a special edition of Set
the Pace presented by Peloton. I'm your host and the
CEO of New York Roadrunners, Rob Simmelkjaer. And what an
incredible day we had today at the New Balance Fifth
Avenue Mile. Not only was there a new course record
on the men's side by our defending champion, Josh Kerr,
but on the women's side it was Karissa Schweizer pulling
(01:31):
ahead for a win and a spot- on tie with
the women's course record set by Laura Muir back in
2022. But today, of course was today for runners of
all ages, abilities, and goals. We had more than 8,
000 runners from age two to 91 sprint their way
down the iconic Fifth Avenue on what was a perfect
fall day. If you weren't at the race and you
(01:54):
weren't able to watch the broadcast live on WABC, you
can actually go and check it out now on ESPN
Plus. It's available there on demand. One of the people
who called that race today was Carrie Tollefson. She was
also there to interview our winners, Josh Kerr and Karissa Schweizer.
Carrie Tollefson (02:11):
All right, we're standing here in Central Park right outside
of drug testing where you two can hopefully fill up
your bottles here pretty fast. But actually right by the
finish line, we heard you were discussing your races. So
Josh, let's hear what that conversation was like first from
you and then we'll come to you, Karissa.
Josh Kerr (02:26):
Well, I love watching the women's race. It gives me
inspiration. The only reason I ran like that is because
of how Laura Muir ran a couple years ago. But
we don't get to watch the women's race, so I was
just asking Karissa how it went and how the race
went. So I'm excited to watch it back. But yeah,
they set a good stage for us.
Carrie Tollefson (02:41):
Yeah, you really kind of were patient until 800 meters
and then you were just like, " Okay, see ya, everybody."
Josh Kerr (02:48):
Yeah, I felt good going up the hill and I think you
can disguise a move at halfway where people think you're
going for the halfway bonus and then just keep pressing.
So thought it was a good idea and then with
600 to go, I was like, " This is actually a
terrible idea." And then before on the go, I was
like, "Okay, we got this." So it was fine.
Carrie Tollefson (03:02):
How do you regroup when you are like, " Oh no,
I still have quite a bit of racing to go
and I'm tired."?
Josh Kerr (03:07):
You just got to rely on the legs a little
bit and it ends up only being about a minute
left. So you just kind of close your eyes and
hope, really.
Carrie Tollefson (03:14):
Well, it was the huge crowds following you, Josh. There were a
bunch of women taking pictures and your fiance was so
graceful, but I mean, it must be really fun right
now. Everybody is excited for you. They all want to
give you a high five. What does it feel like
being here in New York and having everybody know you?
Josh Kerr (03:31):
It's nice. I think trying to be a bit more
of an open book and show my process as much
as possible because I don't think this is something that
only really, really talented people can do. It's like hard
work and consistent days can get you great results and
I hope that's what everyone feels like. There was some
great masses running today and I hope that us in
the men's race, and I'm sure the women's races as
well, are all inspiring those athletes to go out and
(03:52):
be their best. So that's all that we can do
and it's really fun to be able to connect with
the fans and the athletes that we're racing earlier.
Carrie Tollefson (04:00):
You have a big entourage, you have a big team.
So this team, you always say, " We, we, we." That's
important to you, your team.
Josh Kerr (04:06):
Yeah, I think the team's grown every year, but it's
people that I've been friends with for 10, 15 years are
coming on and helping out as much as they can
and it's really nice to look left and right have
family members and best friends as part helping you out
and being able to bring back gold medals and medals
and everything and records and stuff back to them just
validates their job and I'm trying to let them be
(04:28):
proud of what they do.
Carrie Tollefson (04:29):
Records, you just said record. You set a big one
today. 1981, Sydney Maree held it since then and today
you blew it out of the water.
Josh Kerr (04:37):
Yeah, I mean, Sydney Maree had multiple records and world
records and everything, so I was just looking to etch
my name in the history books and I'm at a
part of my career where I'm just trying to leave
as much of a legacy as I can. Being able
to follow in the footsteps at Sydney is massive. I
was able to do it in college and I'm just
looking to continue to do that as a professional.
Carrie Tollefson (04:56):
Yeah, and now done. You're all done until next, well,
what, February maybe?
Josh Kerr (05:00):
Yeah. I don't know yet, I don't know. I mean,
I'm never going to turn down a Melrose call, so
we'll see what happens. But yeah, I'm sure I'll do something in the fall.
Carrie Tollefson (05:08):
Awesome job. Congratulations on everything.
Josh Kerr (05:10):
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Carrie Tollefson (05:11):
All right, Karissa, your turn. Oh, my goodness. Now, today
was a big day for you, but you said you
don't even know if this is the end of your season.
Karissa Schweizer (05:19):
Yeah, I'm not sure. Yeah, I feel like I'm just
kind of building some momentum. I had a bit of
a hiccup in the spring, so it just feels like I'm just
getting started, so I want to just keep going, but
I know that's going to bode well for next year.
Carrie Tollefson (05:30):
Well, walk us through your race a little bit. I
mean, you were right there up in front or in
the early stages, but then kind of sat back in
a little bit. Talk us through the race.
Karissa Schweizer (05:39):
Yeah, just being a 5K, 10K runner, I was so nervous
for the start. I was just like, " Oh, just get
out fast. Go with them and don't panic if it
feels too fast." But I feel like it was quick
first 400 and they said... People told me that it just kind
of slows with the second 400 with uphill. So I just
kind of was pressing there just to make it more
of a strength race and then just kind of tried
(06:00):
to coast it in. I was like, " Okay, we just
got downhill from here."
Carrie Tollefson (06:03):
But you really turned it on and you won by
quite a bit by that last 400. You had something
left in you.
Karissa Schweizer (06:09):
Yeah, I kind of just started to kick and then
when Dorcas came on me, I just was like, " Okay,
I'm just going to relax and gear up for a
second kick." And I definitely wasn't expecting to have that
much left with it.
Carrie Tollefson (06:21):
Yeah, yeah. So coming here, this is your first New
York Road Runner event. I mean, a lot of people
that come to New York Road Runner events come back
for many, many more races. So can we hear a
little bit about that?
Karissa Schweizer (06:32):
Yeah, the energy was awesome. I've watched so many of
these races and I've always wanted to race one. It
just hasn't worked out well for me and I had
so much fun out there, so I'll definitely be back.
Carrie Tollefson (06:43):
So maybe a 5K in the fall, maybe 26.2 in the future?
Karissa Schweizer (06:48):
I hope so. I hope one day.
Carrie Tollefson (06:49):
So when you cracked the tape, though, I mean, you
ran 4
is right where the record was. Was that on your mind?
Karissa Schweizer (06:58):
Not at all. I feel like even just last night
I was kind of like, " Oh, you could win this
thing." So I just was like, " Okay, let's just focus
on just executing a good race and just believe in
yourself and give yourself a shot."
Carrie Tollefson (07:12):
So what do you do here in this big city? I
mean, you have to go celebrate this, so what are
you going to do?
Karissa Schweizer (07:17):
Yeah, I don't know yet. My boyfriend's here and we're
just going to roam around and we'll probably... Actually, I
think we're going to go to the Liberty game tonight.
Carrie Tollefson (07:25):
Oh, that's fun. Well, congratulations on everything. You have been
on this comeback trail. All of us here in America
and around the world that are fans of yours have
been watching you go and run the 5,000, the 10, 000 at the
Olympic Games again and now winning here at Fifth Avenue.
Awesome job. Congratulations on everything.
Karissa Schweizer (07:40):
Yes, thank you for having me.
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