The Grand Slam Track series has delivered electric moments on the track since its debut, from Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s blistering 52.76 in the 400m hurdles to Danielle Williams’ $100,000 win for Jamaica in the short hurdles. But while the performances have thrilled, the stands have sometimes told a different story.
After a less-than-ideal crowd turnout at the Kingston Slam, which drew public criticism, Grand Slam Track founder and four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson has announced a major shake-up to the event’s format.
In response to feedback from athletes, coaches, and fans, especially following the sold-out Miami Slam, the league will condense its competition schedule from three days to two. The revised format will debut at the upcoming Philadelphia Slam, set for May 31–June 1 at the iconic Franklin Field.
“We’ve taken time to celebrate the successes we’ve achieved in our inaugural season, but also looked for ways to improve Grand Slam Track in real time,” Johnson posted on X(Formerly Twitter).
“We’ve said all along we want to listen to our fans, athletes, and coaches, and we believe making these changes will improve the experience for all.”
One significant adjustment involves the Men’s and Women’s Long Distance Race Groups, which will now feature a single 3000m final. With only one race to determine a champion, the stakes have intensified, with a $50,000 prize awaiting the winner of each final.
Alongside the format changes, Philadelphia will welcome a fresh lineup of elite athletes eager to make their mark on the series. Among those confirmed for the meet is Hobbs Kessler of the United States, the 1500m bronze medallist at the 2024 World Indoor Championships, and Josh Hoey, also of the United States, who recently claimed the 2025 World Indoor 800m title.
Georgia Hunter Bell of the United Kingdom, the 2024 Olympic 1500m bronze medallist and European silver medallist, will also be in action. Joining them are Nia Akins, the 2024 US Olympic Trials 800m champion, and Isabella Whittaker, who holds the American indoor 400m record and placed third in the Women’s Long Sprints at the Miami Slam.
In the women’s short sprints, Gabby Thomas and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden will face off once again, with Jefferson-Wooden chasing her third Slam victory of the season. Another highlight will come in the Women’s 100m hurdles, where Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Ackera Nugent, and Danielle Williams, all former Slam winners, will line up for a high-stakes clash. Notably, the meet will mark McLaughlin-Levrone’s professional debut in the 100m hurdles, adding extra excitement to an already loaded lineup.
The Philadelphia event will also feature a roster of top international and American stars, including Marileidy Paulino, Salwa Eid Naser, Jereem Richards, Oblique Seville, Grant Fisher, Ronald Kwemoi, Jess Hull, Matthew Hudson-Smith, and many others.
Due to the schedule change, Grand Slam Track will issue full refunds to fans who bought Friday-only tickets and partial refunds to those with three-day passes. Refunds will start processing on Friday, May 16, and fans can direct questions to tickets@pobox.upenn.edu.
Tickets for the Philadelphia Slam are already on sale at grandslamtrack.com/events/philadelphia, and organizers have promised additional Challenger announcements in the days leading up to the meet.
