LEGACY SINCE 1964
THE JEROME CLASSICLEGACY
SINCE 1964
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.
In 1984, the ‘Achilles Meet‘ event was renamed the ‘Harry Jerome Track Classic‘ in loving memory of the legendary Canadian Olympic sprinter Harry Winston Jerome who passed in ’82 after inspiring generations with his remarkable talent and commitment to community.
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 accomplishments of Harry’s sibling, Valerie Jerome, another Canadian Olympian, and their grandfather, John Armstrong Howard, Canada’s first Black Olympic athlete.
The Meet continues to be named after Harry Jerome for his epic athletic performances, and commitment to supporting youth development and the local athletic community. The meet reminds generations to pursue excellence, demonstrate sportsmanship, plus assist community and youth development
We are thrilled to form this partnership with the Achilles International Track and Field Society and to push their vision of the Jerome Classic to new levels.
The meet has long been synonymous with excellence in athletics, and RUNVAN® is committed to preserving and enhancing that legacy with the help of key partners such as Athletics Canada, the Government of Canada and City of Burnaby.