The Big Sky State Games are officially underway.Â
After the torch was lit by 1980 U.S. Olympian and former Billings West standout, Mary Osborne Andrews, all eyes turned on the Montana Mile.Â
In the women s race it was a strong field of runners highlighted by Montana Tech s Becca Richtman, former Billings Senior and current Boise State runner Tiahna Vladic, and Rocky Mountain College s Sydney Little Light.Â
At the halfway point, Ricthman, Vladic and Little Light separated themselves from the rest of the pack making it a three-woman race. For many of the athletes it was the first time running in front of a crowd.Â
Editor s note: Big Sky State Games Release.Â
The 2021 Montana Mile, sponsored by Samâs Club, marks the 30th running for men and the 20th for women. The race is one of the most anticipated events of the Big Sky State Games Opening Ceremonies and is scheduled to take place (approximately) between 7:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. on Friday, July 16. The Montana Mile is an invited race featuring some of the stateâs fastest high school, college, and post-collegiate milers.
The Womenâs Montana Mile record is 4:53.9 set in 2011 by Lois Ricardi Keller. Patrick Casey set the Menâs record in 2010 in 4:07.9.