Ever since 2023, the elite matches at Drake Stadium have been a little hectic. In 2023 and 2024, USATF made few promotions and 4,000 fans came. This year, Sound Running built stories around elite athletes and competitions, not yet as recommended by this writer, and they had nearly 8,000 fans.
And did they deliver? From 100 meters to 5000 meters, a fantastic race.
B. Miller wins the top 800m field
WESTWOOD (USA, May 23). Brandon Miller topped the 800m field at the Los Angeles Track Festival (WACT Silver) in 1:44.26, ahead of Abraham Alvarado in 1:44.59 and British stars Josh Carey in 1:44.60 with Jake Wightman a PB of 1:44. They were followed by Bryce Hoppel at 1:45.01 and Donavan Brazier at 1:45.03.
Also fast: B race winner Peyton Craig of Australia, 1:44.66. Akeem Blake had a 9.99 (+0.1) in the 100m, finalist Max Thomas had a 10.12 (-0.1), but a 10.01 (-0.1) in the dash. Michael Norman won the 400m in 44.94.
1500m Vincent Chiatte’s 3:33.41 over Nathan Green’s 3:33.46 and Parker Wolfe’s 3:33.46 PB long distance runner Nico Young’s 7th 3:34.56 PB equal.
Also: 5000m fast, 12:57.22 national record by Eritrea’s Habtom Samuel, 12:57.22 ahead of Gulveer Singh, 13:03.93 NR for India and third Jackson Sharp of Australia, 13:05.22 PB.
Jamar Marshall was fast in the hurdles at 13.23 (-1.0).
The circuit was the main event for the women. Britain’s Elise Turner improved to a PB of 9:07.39 with former world champion Emma Coburn third in 9:23.87 in her first completed jumps since 2023.
Parker Walby won the 5000m in a PB of 14:49.41.
Riley Chamberlain 4:04.59 in 1500m and 800m 1:58.08 (outdoor WL/PB) by Roisin Willis over Claudia Kazimerska 1:58.18 PB.
Tamari Davis 11.08 (+0.5) ahead of Kemba Nelson, also 11.08, and Jasius Sears 11.09 (but 11.04 -0.1 heat).
Kendra Harrison posted a 12.53 (-1.8) in the hurdles, ahead of Alaisha Johnson’s 12.55. Bailey Lear beat Shameer Little in 51.53 in the 400m in 51.41. Pole Vault Payton Philips 455 PB on countback over Sandi Morris, also 455.
