About / à propos
The Jerome Classic1964
The Jerome Classic in Vancouver, BC, began in 1964 titled the ‘The International Olympic Preview’ as a build-up and preview of the Tokyo Olympics. Harry Jerome used the event for a triumphant comeback on route to a Bronze medal in the 100 metres for Canada at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The event was later named the ‘Achilles Meet‘.
The Jerome Classic was first hosted by the Achilles International Track & Field Society, a non-profit society registered in British Columbia. This group hosted the event through 2023 before partnering with the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN.
1984
In 1984, the ‘Achilles Meet‘ event was renamed the ‘Harry Jerome Track Classic‘ in loving memory of the legendary Canadian Olympic sprinter Henry ‘Harry’ Winston Jerome who passed in ’82 after inspiring generations with his remarkable talent and commitment community.
Over time, the Harry Jerome Track Classic became a renowned stage for global track and field stars, attracting top athletes, Olympic champions, and rising stars, witnessing historic performances by Olympic medalist athletes like Damien Warner, Andre De Grasse, Evan Dunfee and others.
2024
In 2024, under new partnership with non-profit RUNVAN and the Achilles International Track and Field Society, the event was renamed to ‘The Jerome Classic‘ to also incorporate the outstanding accomplishments of Harry’s sibling, Valerie Jerome, another Canadian Olympian, and their grandfather, John Armstrong Howard, Canada’s first Black Olympic athlete.
The annual Jerome Classic continues to honour the legacy of the Jerome family, reminding generations to pursue excellence, demonstrate sportsmanship and assist with community and youth development. The Meet is named after Harry Jerome for his epic athletic performances, and commitment to supporting youth development and the local athletic community.
You’ll want to be here.
The Jerome Classic is a place where the best push what’s possible. In June every year, the Jerome Classic attracts track and field’s top athletes both locally and internationally. The Jerome Classic is consistently named by World Athletics as ranking in the Top 10% of all track and field competitions in the world.
Tickets
The Jerome Classic is a ticketed spectator event. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of track and field history. Grab your tickets and witness the action. Details coming soon.
Le Jerome Classic est un événement réservé aux spectateurs. Ne manquez pas cette occasion de faire partie de l’histoire de l’athlétisme. Prenez vos billets et assistez à l’action. Détails à venir.
Résumé en français
Le Jerome Classic est un événement annuel d’athlétisme organisé à Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique, dont les origines remontent à 1964, lorsqu’il était connu sous le nom d’Avant-première olympique internationale. Servant initialement de précurseur aux Jeux olympiques de Tokyo, il a vu le sprinter canadien Harry Jerome faire un retour triomphal et remporter une médaille de bronze. Au fil des ans, l’événement a évolué et a été rebaptisé “Harry Jerome Track Classic” en 1984 en l’honneur de l’héritage de Jerome. En 2024, il a été rebaptisé “The Jerome Classic” dans le cadre d’un nouveau partenariat avec l’organisation à but non lucratif RUNVAN. L’événement continue d’attirer les meilleurs athlètes du monde entier et est reconnu par World Athletics comme l’une des meilleures compétitions d’athlétisme au monde. Le Jerome Classic est un événement payant, offrant aux spectateurs la chance d’assister à des performances athlétiques d’élite et de faire partie de l’histoire de l’athlétisme.