Philadelphia is set to welcome the third installment of the inaugural Grand Slam Track season this weekend. This new global league aims to redefine elite track and field’s competitive landscape.
Taking place at the historic Franklin Field on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, this two-day event (May 31–June 1) will showcase 96 athletes, divided into 48 signed “Racers” and 48 invited “Challengers,” competing in various sprint, hurdle, and distance events.
With a hefty $200,000 prize awarded to each event group winner, the competition promises to be intense and captivating.
What Is Grand Slam Track?
Grand Slam Track is a forward-thinking four-meet track and field series created by four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson. The unique format features a fixed roster of “Racers”—24 men and 24 women—competing in every meet while “Challengers” rotate for each Slam.
Athletes will accumulate points based on their performances in two races per group during each Slam (for instance, 100m and 200m in the Short Sprints category). Winners will be determined at each meet and celebrated at the season’s end.
Following the opening meets in Kingston and Miami, Philadelphia marks the penultimate competition before the final event scheduled in Los Angeles from June 27–29.
Event Structure
The competition will feature six event groups:
- Short Sprints: 100m + 200m
- Short Hurdles: 100mH/110mH + 100m
- Long Sprints: 200m + 400m
- Long Hurdles: 400mH + 400m
- Short Distance: 800m + 1500m
- Long Distance: 3000m (featured as a standalone event for Philadelphia)
Key Athletes to Watch
p>Among the star-studded lineup, several key athletes will attract attention:
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone transitions from her signature 400m hurdles to compete in the 100m and 100m hurdles.
- Gabby Thomas returns to the short sprints for her second Slam, after a strong runner-up finish in Miami.
- Expect thrilling matchups in the men’s 1500m featuring Josh Kerr, Cole Hocker, and Yared Nuguse.
- Christian Coleman continues his comeback season in the 100m and 200m.
- Ejgayehu Taye aims to extend her unbeaten streak in the women’s long-distance group, following impressive performances in Kingston and Miami.
Full Participant List
Here is a summary of the participating athletes (R = Signed Racer; C = Challenger):
Men’s Short Sprints
- Kenny Bednarek (R)
- Zharnel Hughes (R)
- Andre De Grasse (C)
- Christian Miller (C)
- Christian Coleman (C)
- Bryan Levell (C)
- Udodi Onwuzurike (C)
- Aaron Brown (C)
Women’s Short Sprints
- Gabby Thomas (R)
- Brittany Brown (R)
- Daryll Neita (R)
- Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (R)
- Tamari Davis (C)
- Thelma Davies (C)
- Dina Asher-Smith (C)
- Jadyn Mays (C)
This dynamic series showcases top talent and exciting events for track and field enthusiasts and casual fans alike, making it a key event on the athletic calendar.
Event Schedule
Saturday, May 31
- 4:39 PM — Women’s Long Hurdles (400mH)
- 4:48 PM — Men’s Long Hurdles (400mH)
- 4:57 PM — Men’s Short Distance (800m)
- 5:07 PM — Men’s Short Sprints (200m)
- 5:16 PM — Women’s Short Sprints (200m)
- 5:25 PM — Women’s Long Distance (3000m)
- 5:42 PM — Women’s Long Sprints (400m)
- 5:51 PM — Men’s Long Sprints (400m)
- 6:00 PM — Women’s Short Distance (1500m)
- 6:13 PM — Men’s Short Hurdles (110mH)
- 6:22 PM — Women’s Short Hurdles (100mH)
Sunday, June 1
- 3:41 PM — Men’s Long Hurdles (400m)
- 3:50 PM — Women’s Long Hurdles (400m)
- 3:59 PM — Women’s Short Distance (800m)
- 4:09 PM — Men’s Short Hurdles (100m)
- 4:18 PM — Women’s Short Hurdles (100m)
- 4:27 PM — Men’s Long Distance (3000m)
- 4:43 PM — Women’s Long Sprints (200m)
- 4:52 PM — Men’s Long Sprints (200m)
- 5:01 PM — Men’s Short Distance (1500m)
- 5:13 PM — Women’s Short Sprints (100m)
- 5:22 PM — Men’s Short Sprints (100m)
How to Watch
- U.S. Broadcast: Peacock and The CW Network
- International Coverage: Available in 198 countries and territories
- Streaming Times:
- Saturday: 4:00–7:00 PM ET
- Sunday: 3:00–6:00 PM ET
Venue Information
- Franklin Field, University of Pennsylvania
- 233 South 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Built in 1895, Franklin Field is renowned as the oldest operating stadium in the United States and a historic venue for track and field in America.
In this structured article, I’ve emphasized SEO with relevant keywords, backlinks, and a neutral informative tone. The details capture the Grand Slam Track event, its structure, participants, and important information for viewers.
