INDIANAPOLIS – USA Track & Field and Sound Running announced today that the USATF Distance Classic and Sound Running will combine forces to host Track Fest on May 24 at Occidental College in Los Angeles. The World Athletics Silver Label event will feature men’s and women’s races from the 800 to the 10,000.
Historically, the USATF Distance Classic and Sound Running Track Fest have both drawn some of the world’s top distance runners to race in ideal conditions early in the season. Last year's Distance Classic saw meet records fall in six disciplines. Elle St. Pierre won the women's 5000 in 14:34.12, which made her the fifth-fastest American ever, while Bryce Hoppel won the men's 800 in 1:43.68. Ethiopia's Selemon Barega took the men's 5000 in 12:51.60, and Diribe Welteji of Ethiopia won her second straight women's 1500 in 3:55.25. The other two meet records fell to Uganda's Halimah Nakaayi in the women's 800 at 1:57.56 and Canada's Ceili McCabe, who won the women's 3000 steeplechase in 9:20.58.
“We are incredibly excited about this collaboration with Sound Running to host Track Fest in Los Angeles,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel. “As we look toward the 2028 Games, events like Track Fest keep fans engaged by showcasing elite competition in an electric setting.”
“Our goal is to give the athletes the best possible opportunity to race fast and build the fanbase here in LA,” said Sound Running Founder and Director of Track Fest Jesse Williams.
Competition will be broken into two sessions with the early section set to kick off in the early evening with a series of 800s and sections of the 1500, 5000, and steeplechase. As the sun sets, the main program will begin, featuring top competition in each of the five disciplines capped by the men’s 10,000 under the lights.
The single-night format and festival atmosphere make Track Fest a perfect meet for a loud, enthusiastic crowd. Tickets can be secured for the event here.
More information about the event, including registration information and a tentative schedule can be found here.