I recall strolling along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan one bright fall day in 1981, and happening upon a road race in full swing. I immediately realized I had stumbled onto the inaugural Fifth Avenue Mile moments before the leaders came down the home stretch. Talk about a cool surprise! A few seconds later, Sydney Maree, one of the great milers of all time, flew across the line in 3:47:52.  And the field he beat... Jeez- it was literally the best milers in the world: Steve Scott, John Walker, Steve Cram, Ray Flynn, Mike Boit, Eamonn Coghlan, Tom Byers, Thomas Wessinghage. What a rush.

The race is back this year with another incredible field: On September 30, U.S. Olympians Adam Goucher, Gabe Jennings, Anthony Famiglietti and Carrie Tollefson will be joined by New Zealand Olympians Nick Willis and Kim Smith along with Canadian Olympian Kevin Sullivan in what's sure to be an amazing race.

Signature sponsor Reebok is providing a $20,000 total prize purse for the men's and women's professional races, with the top men's and women's professional finishers will each receive $4000, with $2500 going to second place, $1500 for third, $1250 for fourth and $750 for fifth.

In addition to Reebok's incentives, title sponsor Continental Airlines is donating a total of 280,000 OnePass miles to winners.

"The race is on for the title of winner of the world's most famous mile race," said New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. "We welcome Reebok with open arms as they provide pivotal financial, athletic and marketing muscle to enable us to host this world-class field of athletes and elevate the experience for runners of all ages and abilities."