There has been a bit of a pox on the meets at Drake Stadium for elites since 2023. In 2023 and 2024, USATF did little to no promotions, and 4,000 fans showed up. This year, Sound Running built the stories on the elite athletes and the rivalries, still not the way this writer would recommend, and they had nearly 8,000 fans!
And did they deliver! From the 100 meters to the 5000 meters, fantastic races!
B. Miller beats the top 800 m field
WESTWOOD (USA, May 23): Brandon Miller beat a top 800 m field at the Los Angeles Track Festival (WACT Silver) with 1:44.26 ahead of Abraham Alvarado 1:44.59 and British stars Josh Kerr 1:44.60 PB with Jake Wightman 1:44.74. Behind them are Bryce Hoppel, 1:45.01, and Donavan Brazier, 1:45.03.
Fast also: B-race winner Australian Peyton Creig, 1:44.66. Ackeem Blake got 9.99 (+0.1) in the 100 m heats, winner of finals Max Thomas 10.12 (-0.1) but 10.01 (-0.1) in heats. Michael Norman won the 400 m in 44.94.
In the 1500m Vincent Ciattei 3:33.41 over Nathan Green 3:33.46 and Parker Wolfe 3:33.46 PB with long distance runner Nico Young 7th 3:34.56 PB eq.
Also, 5000 m fast, 12:57.22 national record by Habtom Samuel from Eritrea, 12:57.22 ahead of Gulveer Singh, 13:03.93 NR for India, and third Jackson Sharp from Australia, 13:05.22 PB.
Jamar Marshall was fast over the hurdles, 13.23 (-1.0).
The steeple was the top event for women. Briton Elise Thorner improved to 9:07.39 PB with former World champion Emma Coburn third at 9:23.87 in her first finished steeple race since 2023.
Parker Valby won the 5000m in 14:49.41 PB.
Riley Chamberlain 4:04.59 in the 1500 m and fast 800 m 1:58.08 (outdoor WL/PB) by Roisin Willis over Klaudia Kazimierska 1:58.18 PB.
Tamari Davis 11.08 (+0.5) ahead of Kemba Nelson, also 11.08, and Jacious Sears 11.09 (but 11.04 -0.1 heats).
Kendra Harrison clocked 12.53 (-1.8) in the hurdles, just edging Alaysha Johnson 12.55. Bailey Lear 51.41 beat Shamier Little 51.53 in the 400 m. In the pole vault, Payton Philips 455 PB on count back over Sandi Morris, also 455.
