Jemma Reekie Set New Fifth Avenue Mile Record
The Scottish runner clocked 4:13.8 to win the 45th edition of the race in Manhattan.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Running
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Jemma Reekie secured victory at the Fifth Avenue Mile with a course record of 4:13.8. Her performance bested the previous record of 4:14.8, established by Laura Muir in 2022.
Why it matters
The race serves as a high-profile end-of-season showpiece for top track and field athletes. Reekie's win highlights a period of dominance for Scottish runners, who have captured nine titles in the last eight editions of the event.
Jemma Reekie finished more than two seconds ahead of runner-up Josette Andrews, who clocked 4:16.1. Marco Langon won the men's race in 3:45.0, finishing behind the course record of 3:44.3 set by Josh Kerr in 2024.
The players
Jemma Reekie
She is a professional Scottish middle-distance runner who recently broke the course record at the Fifth Avenue Mile.
Fred Lebow
He was the founder of the New York City Marathon and the original organizer of the Fifth Avenue Mile road race.
Laura Muir
She is a Scottish track and field athlete who held the previous Fifth Avenue Mile course record from 2022 until 2026.
Marco Langon
He is a professional runner who claimed the men's title at the 2026 Fifth Avenue Mile.
Josh Kerr
He is a Scottish middle-distance runner who set the men's course record at the Fifth Avenue Mile in 2024.
The details
The race spans 20 blocks down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, providing a unique road course for middle-distance runners. Reekie's record-breaking run concludes a busy season that saw her place 10th at the Commonwealth Games in August 2026.
Timeline
The Fifth Avenue Mile was founded in 1981 by Fred Lebow.
Laura Muir set a record time of 4:14.8 in 2022.
Reekie finished 10th at the Commonwealth Games in August 2026.
Jemma Reekie won the Fifth Avenue Mile on September 13, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This record-setting performance follows the standard established by Josh Kerr's 2024 men's record, reinforcing the current Scottish dominance in this race. The result underscores the event's status as a premier destination for elite runners closing out their competitive season.
Reekie's record time establishes a new benchmark for future competitors on the 20-block Manhattan course. Her performance solidifies her standing as a top contender heading into the conclusion of the 2026 athletic calendar.
The takeaway
Reekie's victory serves as a reminder of the competitive depth required to succeed on the unique, 20-block road layout of the Fifth Avenue Mile. For runners, the race demonstrates the value of finishing a season with a high-intensity event that contrasts with standard stadium track conditions.
Further reading
Find more coverage of the sport in the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Deadline News.
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