Burnaby, BC – July 14, 2026 – The Jerome Classic delivered an unforgettable day of athletics at Swangard Stadium as some of the world’s best athletes competed alongside Canada’s top emerging talent, producing record-breaking performances, personal bests, and memorable moments.
With athletes representing Canada and countries around the world, the 2026 edition of the Jerome Classic showcased the depth and excitement of track and field, highlighted by record performances from Sarah Mitton, Jamar Marshall Jr., Jonathan Podbielski, and Maya Piesik, along with a Jerome Classic record-equalling performance from Assinie Wilson.
“The Jerome Classic is not an individual role. I just get the glamour of the title,” shares Jerome Classic Meet Director Julia Hawkins. “The RUNVAN team are doing many things behind the scenes that a typical meet director would do, so it was nice that we got to share the load.”
Months of planning came together in a day that featured athletes representing more than 20 nations competing for valuable World Athletics Continental Tour points while inspiring the next generation of athletes watching from the stands.
Mitton Breaks Her Own Jerome Classic Record in Women’s Shot Put
Two-time Olympian and World silver medallist Sarah Mitton (Canada) continued her remarkable 2026 season by rewriting the Jerome Classic record book once again.
Mitton won the women’s shot put with a throw of 20.66m, surpassing her previous Jerome Classic record of 20.14m set in 2025. The performance was also her season best and finished just two centimetres shy of her Canadian record.
Mitton produced an outstanding series, recording four throws beyond the 20-metre mark to demonstrate her consistency among the world’s elite throwers.
“It honestly feels pretty good, I was happy,” remarks Mitton. “I was able to use the energy of the crowd here – build a little bit more speed… that’s only 2cm under my lifetime best. So I’m pretty happy to do that and even more happy to do it in Canada.”
Before competing, Mitton described her mindset in one word: “potential.”
“Your track and field journey can take a lot of turns before you find your way through track & field. Here I am, ranked number three in the world.”
Mitton also encouraged young athletes to explore different sports and events, reminding them to take time to discover their path.
Marshall Jr. Sets Jerome Classic Record in Men’s 110m Hurdles
American hurdler Jamar Marshall Jr. made his first Jerome Classic appearance one to remember, setting a new event record in the men’s 110m hurdles.
Marshall Jr. crossed the line in 13.33 seconds (-0.8), breaking the previous Jerome Classic record of 13.44 set by De’Vion Wilson in 2025.
The Big 12 champion, University of Houston school record holder, and NCAA Championships qualifier has enjoyed a standout season, including a personal best of 13.04 earlier this year.
“It was pretty cool,” says Marshall Jr. about his first experience competing in Canada and Vancouver. He also joked about a memorable Vancouver moment – spotting Drake during his visit.
Podbielski Wins Men’s 1500m With Record Performance
Canada’s Jonathan Podbielski delivered one of the night’s most impressive track performances, winning the men’s 1500m premium race in a Jerome Classic record time of 3:38.57.
Heading to the University of Washington, Podbielski executed a patient race strategy, staying controlled before making his winning move in the final stretch.
“I switched the mindset from running fast to more of a winning the race strategy,” says Podbielski. “I was able to sit on the leader and catch him on the home stretch.”
Podbielski has long embraced a championship mindset, once saying, “I don’t see the point of racing unless I’m racing to win.”
Clay Claims Men’s 800m Victory
In the men’s 800m Premium, Japan’s Allon Clay won in 1:44.51, narrowly missing his personal best. Entering his final season at Penn State University, Clay benefited from the pacing of Penn State teammate Niko Schulz of Puerto Rico, who guided the field through the opening 600 metres.
“Second time running this meet and I’m happy to be here,” says Clay. “It was definitely tough, but that last 800m I just moved my arms and hoped my body would keep moving.”
“My main goal was to help set the pace for Allon to win his race,” adds Schulz.
Canadian Race Walkers Make History
The women’s 3000m race walk delivered another memorable Jerome Classic performance. Canada’s Olivia Lundman won the event in 13:25.61, adding another Jerome Classic victory to her résumé after setting the event record in 2025.
Maya Piesik finished second overall in 14:06.64, but made history by breaking her own Canadian U18 record.
Already the Canadian U18 record holder in the 3000m and 5000m race walk, as well as the reigning Canadian U18 champion, Piesik continues to establish herself as one of Canada’s most promising young race walkers.
In the men’s 3000m race walk, Lowell Solmes earned the victory and a personal best, crossing the line in 12:16.93.
“It’s a privilege – it’s a lot of fun to have the opportunity to come here and do a race,” says Solmes. “I don’t get a lot of opportunities as a racewalker, so it’s good to have.”
“It’s the end of my season – I had a good season, I PB’d at every race, so we’re going to wrap that up!”
Canadian Throwers Shine at Swangard Stadium
Canada’s strength in the throwing events was on full display, led by Rowan Hamilton, who won the men’s hammer throw with a mark of 73.87m.
Hamilton’s performance highlighted another strong showing for Canadian throwers following Mitton’s record-breaking shot put victory. Competing shortly after becoming a new father, Hamilton admitted he was feeling “tired” but expressed excitement about competing at a high-calibre meet in British Columbia.
Jamaica’s Nayoka Clunis won the women’s hammer throw with a mark of 71.15m.
“This is my third time at the Jerome Classic but first time in Burnaby – it was pretty cool!” shares Clunis.
Additional Jerome Classic Winners
Men’s 100m
Shakur Williams (Jamaica) – 10.32
Women’s 100m
Chante Clinkscale (USA) – 11.61
Men’s 400m
Tyler Johnson (Nigeria) – 45.53
“Feels very good,” Johnson shares. “I just came up with my season’s best two days ago in Edmonton, and to be able to win after travelling yesterday and to a new time zone. I think it all went pretty well.”
Women’s 400m Premium
Grace Konrad (Canada) – 52.35
“Feeling good, coming back from injury and getting back into shape and loving the 400m,” says Konrad.
Women’s 800m Premium
Boh Ritchie (New Zealand) – 2:02.46
Women’s 1500m Premium
Maggie Smith (Canada) – 4:10.74
“This was a slower race, but it ramped up as it went on,” remarked Smith. “I tried to stay patient… I wanted to wait until the last lap and see what I could do.”
Men’s 5000m
Matthew Travaglini (Canada) – 14:16.15
Women’s 5000m
Alycia Butterworth (Canada) – 16:54.54
Men’s 400m Hurdles
Assinie Wilson (Jamaica) – 49.25
Equalled Jerome Classic event record
“It was pretty cool, at the end of the day, I can’t complain – just go and perform,” says Wilson.
Women’s 100m Hurdles
Michelle Harrison (Canada) – 13.19
Men’s Long Jump
William Williams (USA) – 7.59m
Celebrating Vancouver’s Running Community: The Fastest Run Club
The Jerome Classic once again celebrated the local running community with The Fastest Run Club, bringing athletes from clubs across British Columbia onto the Swangard Stadium track.
Men’s Winner
Greg Rola – Striderz – 13.21
Women’s Winner
Monique Lisek – Kamino – 13.77
