"You'll want to be here." That's not just a slogan. It's a promise.
Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Location: Swangard Stadium, Burnaby, BC
Tour Status: Part of the World Athletics Continental Tour & Athletics Canada's National Track and Field Tour
The Harry Jerome Classic, Canada's longest-running track and field meet, returns to Burnaby with a world-class lineup of Olympians, national record holders, and the next generation of rising stars. The event holds a rich history. First established in 1964, it was used by the legendary Harry Jerome himself as preparation for his bronze medal performance at the Tokyo Olympic Games in the 100m. Since 1984, it has become a staple in the Canadian track and field calendar, consistently drawing top talent from across the globe.
In 2024, more than 30 athletes leveraged the Jerome Classic as part of their Olympic buildup. This year, the meet aims to raise the bar once again, with the World Championships just around the corner. Let's take a look at just some of the names in this year's lineup.
LOCAL TALENT ON DISPLAY
Dunfee and Ludman Lead the Way
Race walk fans are in for a treat with local heros set to take the track. Olympian and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Evan Dunfee will be competing alongside his protégé Olivia Lundman, a young BC standout. The two made headlines as part of Canada's mixed marathon race walk relay team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a historic debut for the event. Lundman, now one of the top young prospects in the country, is set for another strong performance. They'll be joined by Maya Piesik of the Vancouver Thunderbirds, the 2025 BC School Sports Junior Girls Champion who recently broke Lundman's previous junior girls provincial meet record. Lowell Solmes and Tyler Wilson, both of UBC, add depth to the field. Solmes was crowned 2025 NAIA Outdoor Champion in the 5000m Race Walk, with Wilson finishing as runner-up.
High School Stars Take on National B and Open Fields
Lord Byng Secondary graduate and University of Washington commit Chloe Symon headlines the field after an impressive high school season. She's entered with a seed of 2:05.27, fresh off sweeping the 400m and 800m titles at the 2025 BC School Sports Provincial Championships.
Adrianna Buitelaar, one of BC's top young middle-distance talents, steps onto the line in the women's 1500m with a seed time of 4:25.73. Heading into Grade 12 this fall, she'll face a strong lineup of collegiate and post-collegiate athletes. In the men's race, Maverik Rahkola, Riley Simmonds, and Noah Louwerse will represent BC's emerging talent as they test themselves against a field of seasoned racers.
Top local athletes Yemane Mulugeta, Isaiah Johnston, Peter Kunka, and Arjun Sandhu have all emerged from BC's high school distance ranks, with some still a few years from graduating and others now making their mark in the collegiate level. They will all contest the 3000m.