American middle-distance runner , Craig Engels has paced a lot of races in his career but few moments have hit as hard as what he witnessed at the 2025 Racers Grand Prix on June 7, 2025.
His close friend and former world champion, Donavan Brazier, returned to competition after three years of injury setbacks. He stormed to a sensational 1:44.70 in the men’s 800 meters.
“I had chills the last 200 meters,” Engels said in one of the interviews. “There were times in the last three years where me, him, and probably everyone else thought his career was over. But he’s a beast, man.”
Engels, who had spent the evening pacing multiple events at Toad Fest from sub-4:00 men’s miles to high school girls chasing sub-5:00. He watched from the sidelines as Brazier turned back the clock with effortless precision.
Brazier’s 1:44.70 was his first real 800m in over three years. During that time, he underwent three surgeries and spent countless months in rehab. Engels, who has remained close with Brazier through it all, didn’t mince words about what it took to get to this point.
“He’s only been training seriously since January. To run 1:44 off that? That’s not normal. That’s talent but more than that, it’s heart.”
Engels, known for his trademark mustache, humor, and showmanship, is still competing fresh off a win at the Hoka Festival of Miles. But watching Brazier glide through the final stretch made him reevaluate his own 800m ambitions.
“Honestly, I thought I might have a chance in the 800 this year,” he laughed. “But after watching that? I’m cool just cheering him on.”
The embrace between the two after the race told a deeper story. This is not just about athletics, but about loyalty, resilience, and shared dreams. Engels, once a rival, has become Brazier’s biggest supporter.
“That was one of the most inspiring things I’ve seen in track and field,” he said. “We’ve seen guys come back. But to do that after what he’s been through? That’s rare.”
Engels has carved out a unique role in the sport part pacer, part racer, part entertainer, but always present in key moments. At Toad Fest, his pacing duties set the stage for several breakout performances. Yet even amid all the fast times, it was Brazier’s run that stuck with him.
“That’s why I love pacing. I get to help people chase dreams. And tonight, I got to watch one of my best friends bring his career back to life.”
