The annual Harry Jerome Track Classic, part of Athletics Canada's National Track and Field Tour and the World Athletics Continental Tour, took place on June 15th and 16th. This prestigious event, first held in 1964, remains Canada's longest-running track and field competition, consistently attracting elite athletes. This year, the meet was hosted at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby on the first day and at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley on the second day.
While athletes from around the globe participated, chasing Olympic qualifying standards, there were a number of standout performances from British Columbia's own athletes. From high schoolers, to collegiates, to post-collegiates and the pros, let's dive into just some of the highlights.
Grade 11 phenom Alexa Dow, who recently set a U18 Canadian National Record in the mile with a time of 4:47.15, competed in the highly competitive Women's 800m. Out of a field of 27 runners, Dow placed 19th with a time of 2:10.41, holding her own against older and more experienced competitors. Her teammate from the Prairie Inn Harriers, Charlie Mlotshwa, also delivered a strong performance, but in the Men's National B 1500m section. He placed sixth, running a time of 3:51.29; he is currently ranked first in Canada in the event in the U18 age division. In the race he was joined by Caiden Lee, a Semiahmoo Secondary graduate, who currently attends Boston University. Lee placed third in the race with a time of 3:50.14; he is currently ranked fifth in Canada in the event in the U20 age division.
Other strong performances in the distance events include Kieran Lumb, a Lord Byng graduate and University of British Columbia and University of Washington alum. He claimed victory and broke the meet record in the Men's Premium 1500m, clocking in at 3:34.53, just shy of his personal best of 3:34.41. Lumb is currently ranked 43rd in the world in this event. In the Women's 1500m, Ceili McCabe, the Canadian record holder in the 3000m steeplechase, finished fifth with a time of 4:10.87. She is an alumna of Little Flower Academy and attends West Virginia University.