Although Miller (24), a fourth-year law and commerce student, was a successful age-group middle-distance runner while attending John McGlashan College, it was his football ability that led to his being selected in Otago squads and the John McGlashan 1st XI.
But on leaving school he had a two-year OE before returning to enrol at the University of Otago. Study kept him out of sport until five weeks ago when, with varsity commitments easing, he decided to get back into running.
"Yeah, I've just signed up, and this is my first race," he said at the finish.
"I really just decided to get back into it and was looking toward doing a few 800m events on the track over summer."
"I saw this race come up, and realised the significance of it and that dad had won it, so decided to enter."
Competing from a 20min handicap, Miller had no idea that he was in with a chance. Perhaps the main challenge was to better his father's time of 44min 3sec.
It was not until Ravensbourne that he began to feature as a possible place-getter.
Until then it seemed front-marker David Mackle (Hill City) would maintain his hold on the lead through to the finish. However, 400m from home the field converged on Mackle, whose chances very quickly evaporated, and he faded to finish 19th.
Miller passed Mackle on the quarry bend, and although he took the lead, he was not aware he had done so.
"I looked around at the finish and realised what I'd done. I think it's pretty cool, and knowing dad won it makes it mean that much more."
His father was on hand to witness the victory, and although he was proud of his son's achievement, the two were quick to check each other's time.
While both now have a first placing, Ian could not match his father's time, clocking 47min 41sec. But like his father, a Clyde to Alexandra Road Race and Otago 800m champion, Ian's focus is on middle-distance.
Finishing hot on Miller's heel's to claim second place was Andrew Perry (Leith), who recorded 48min 4sec, while in third place overall was Kirsty Morris (Leith), who won the Bevan Richmond Trophy for being the first female to finish.
The significance of Morris' trophy win was not lost on the Richmond family at the presentation.
It was the 25th time the trophy had been presented and the 25th anniversary of women first being able to contest the open event.
Ironically, Sue O'Sullivan, the daughter of the donor, was the first holder of the trophy, while Morris is the partner of O'Sullivan's son Elliot.
The associated age group also resulted in another family tie with Erin Knox (8) and brother Reuben (10), both representing the Leith Club, winning their sections of the 2.4km race in the under-12 category.
Hill City representative Samuel Bremer (13) displayed an impressive sprint finish to win the junior men's 19-and-under grade held over a 4.8km course.
Ariki representative Susanna Greaves (18) gained the benefit of a strong start to win the junior women's trophy.
