Ben Saarel wasn’t in the lead as the Dream Mile race in New York City on Saturday entered its final stretch.
But, competing against the best high school mile runners in the country, the Park City High School senior saved his best for last, pulling away at the end to win the event with a time of 4:02.72.
Running at Icahn Stadium, with the Manhattan skyline in the background, Saarel did what he’s done throughout his entire high school running career he outsmarted the other runners in the field.
“It was kind of a tight tactical race,” he said. “I just made sure I was right there so if anyone tried to make a move, I could get right on them.”
Park City High School track coach Jeff Wyant, watching the race on the Internet, said he felt déjà vu while watching the race.
“It looked like an instant replay of all his other races,” he said. “He has learned the tactics of running the mile.”
But Wyant was still nervous while watching his star runner keep pace with the middle of the pack.
“Honestly, I didn’t know for sure that he could win this one until about 500 meters to go,” he said. “But then I saw where he was, and I knew what was coming in the last 200.”
In those last 200 meters, Saarel battled a 20 mile-per-hour wind while blasting past his competitors to win the race by more than two seconds.
“I’m very satisfied with what I accomplished,” he said. “I’m just happy to have even gone to the Dream Mile.”
He added that the experience of running a race in New York City and being surrounded by some of the best athletes in the track world was fun.
“It’s kind of a wild experience,” he said. “There were a lot of really cool athletes.”
But, though famous sprinters like Tyson Gay, Ryan Bailey, Kemar Bailey Cole and Nesta Carter were there, along with world-class distance runners like Leo Manzano and David Rudisha, Saarel said he only had time to exchange a few quick hellos with the pros.
“They had a race to run and so did I,” he said. “But it was really cool seeing all those professional athletes there.”
After coming close to eclipsing the four-minute-mile mark, Saarel said, while a sub-four mile is a goal for the future, he’s not too worried about his running times.
“I think the 4:00 mark is just another time,” he said. “I don’t really think so much about hitting this time or that time. As long as I keep progressing, I’m happy.”
Saarel’s focus has now shifted to training for his first collegiate cross country season. Saarel will attend the University of Colorado this fall.
“I might not run another mile for a long time,” he said. “I’m starting my longer distance training.”
Looking back at his high school career, Saarel said he has no regrets.
“I accomplished everything I wanted to and more,” he said. “It’s been an incredible season. I accomplished things I never thought I could. I owe a lot to my coaches.”
Saarel is the Utah high school record holder in the 800, 1600 and 3200. He also won the 3A cross country title and the Foot Locker West Regional championship last fall.
Wyant said there might never be a better runner to come through PCHS.
“It’s been a fun ride; watching his progression has been amazing,” he said. “He’ll go down as one of the greatest athletes in Utah history.”