Smyth Wins NYC Midnight Run

Patrick Smyth apparently couldn't wait to get his 2010 racing season underway.

Early New Year's Day, the Team USA Minnesota athlete won the 31st Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in New York City, which started at the stroke of midnight.

Smyth (pictured) ran the four mile road race through Central Park in 18:35, out running Ian Dobson of Portland, Oregon who was second in 18:53. The festive event was held in weather conditions that included a mix of light snow and rain.

University of Minnesota alum Andrew Carlson holds the Midnight Run course record of 18:12.

Team USA Minnesota's media release about the race said Smyth went to the front of the race at the gun and pulled away from the field at the two mile mark, running the second half in a solo effort.

"It was definitely a bit slippery as wet snow had fallen and was falling," Smyth said in the release. "But we really only had to be mindful on the turns of which there were only a few."

"The atmosphere was exhilarating," Smyth added. "The fireworks lasted the entire 18 minutes and 35 seconds that I was running. It was a great way to usher in the New Year and definitely something I'd do again if the opportunity presents itself."

Smyth will race next at the USA Half Marathon Championships in Houston on January 17, where the 2009 Notre Dame grad will make his debut in the distance.

"The Midnight Run was a great tune-up for Houston," Smyth said. "Aside from perfect timing, which is about three weeks out, it was a great way to get the legs kicking over after putting in a long solid block of training since Manchester."

Smyth finished second at the Thanksgiving Day Manchester Road Race in New Hampshire. Last October, he finished third at the USA 10 Mile Championships held in conjunction with the Medtronic Twin Cities 10 Mile.

Find full results of the Midnight Run HERE.

There's video from the event -- but not much of Smyth -- HERE.

Photo by Gene Niemi.