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Will Leer celebrates after winning the Morton Mile in a time of 3:51.82 and breaking the stadium record that stood for 37 years. Cathal Noonan/INPHO
hirsute hero

Bearded American wonder smashes 34-year-old mile record at Morton Stadium

Mark English continued his recent run of form to win the Men’s 800m.

STADIUM RECORDS WERE falling like novelty Stetson prices at Morton Stadium in Santry last night.

As reported by TheScore.ie on Friday, Thomas Barr defeated 400m hurdles world champion Jehue Gordon to claim victory and set the tone for a record-breaking night. In total, eight new records were set at the Morton Games.

Mark English streaked clear around the final bend to win the 800m and set a new stadium record of 1:45.30. Both English and Paul Robinson qualified for the European Championships in Zurich, next month, with their times.

The feature event of the one-day event was the Morton Mile. Ireland’s Ciaran O’Lionaird was the home-town favourite but he faded away in the closing 200m. The race was won by America’s William Leer. Sporting an impressive beard, Leer ran the mile in 3:51.82, setting a career PB and smashing a stadium record that stood since 1980.

Leer took time out, following his victory, to console O’Lionaird and head off on a Rocky Balboa-style lap of honour.

Will Leer Leer previously made the honours board in 2012 with a winning time of 3:56.39. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

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