Defending Champ Torrence Back for USA Mile

Californian David Torrence, who broke four minutes and flew home $14,000 richer after winning last year's Medtronic TC 1 Mile/USA Mile Road Championships, will return for this year's race down the Nicollet Mall.

Twin Cities In Motion officials revealed yesterday that Torrence will compete in the event next Thursday night, where he'll be joined by Bay Area Track Club teammate Garrett Heath, a native of Winona.

Competing in the women's race, according to TCM, will be Team USA Minnesota's Heather Dorniden and former North Dakota State and Burnsville star Laura Januszewski.

Race organizers plan to announce the complete race fields early next week.

Torrence appears ready to run fast again this year. On Saturday night, he established a new 800-meter PR with his 1:46.83 clocking at the Payton Jordan Invitational in California.

Last year, Torrence pulled away from early leader John Rankin to win the TC 1 Mile in an event record 3:59.3, earning a $10,000 "bounty" for breaking 4:00.

Find more information on the event HERE.