A modest crowd met the first day of performances in Randall’s Island. When I asked a #keenobserver how many people were there on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the person said, “about 250.” From my view on the TV screen watching Peacock, that seemed a bit funny and also not accurate. I would estimate the fan numbers at Icahn Stadium at about a thousand. Just not acceptable for US Championships. I recall, in 2006, at the World Cup in Athens, no one was in the stands on day 1. On Day 2, 30,000 were bused in, given free tickets, a sandwich, water, a T-shirt, and a beer. Not suggesting that for US championships, but might be an option.
Here are my five big moments on Thursday, July 23, 2026:
- There was absolutely no reason why the race was so slow. The weather was mild. Yet, the entire field, including Grant Fisher, allowed the pace to dawdle to 16:12 for 5,000m. The second 5,000 took 14:01. And on top of that, why do you let the pace slow down with Woody Kincaid in the race? Are you serious? Woody has dropped a sub-55 last lap when he ran a 27-minute 10,000m with Joe Klecker a few years ago. Grant, who had just won the Paris DL 5,000m in a fast time, just did not seriously try to break Woody. Grant ran 56.05 on the last lap, but nothing to Woody’s 54.89 (last 200m in 25.95). Woody won in 30:13.66, Grant was second in 30:14.46 and Drew Bosley third in 30:20.60. Slowest time at US champs in Men’s 10,000m in sixty-six years (1959, and Max Truex).
Men’s 10,000m, in the back of the photo, Woody Kincaid, who would win the 10,000m, biding his time, photo by Chuck Aragon - Sydney Vaught wins her first title at 10,000m in a very slow race. Women hit 5k in 18 minutes, and Sydney took the lead, running the last 5k in 15:21, which was her best last year! Sydney won the 10,000m in 33:30.69, Katie Izzo in second, 33:36.98, and Allie Buchalski in third, 33.42.29.
Sydney Vaught charges away to win the 10,000m, photo by Chuck Aragon - Intriguing 100-meter first rounds! Christian Coleman is having a great year, and led from the blocks, winning in 9.96. Noah Lyles, Olympic champion, won his heat in 9.97. Kenny Bednarek looked pretty darn good, as did Ronnie Baker. Sha’Carri Richardson is back to her great 2023 form, and Kayla White joined Sha’Carri under eleven seconds, 10.90 for Sha’Carri and 10.99 for Kayla.
The 100 meter rounds were exciting, Noah Lyles, photo by Chuck Aragon - Rudy Winkler is the finest men’s hammer thrower in the U.S. Rudy took the lead in round 4, in 76.55 meters, and then he threw big in round 5 with a fine 77.05 meters (252’9″).
Hammer Mania, photo by Chuck Aragon - Big Upsets in the steeplechase and 1,500 meters. Parker Stokes, Brooks Beasts, leads steeple qualifiers with his 8:23.05. Kenneth Rooks, 2024 Paris Olympic silver medalist, did not qualify for the final! In 1,500m heats, Nikki Hiltz and Vincent Ciattei impressed. Craig Engels, former US champion, and Simeon Birnbaum (signed with Diadora) did not move on.
Craig Engels and Simeon Birnabaum, did not advance in the 1500m, photo by Chuck Aragon
