World 1500m champion Josh Kerr was full of praise for the electric environment at the Philadelphia Slam, calling it the most thrilling experience yet in the new Grand Slam Track series.
“I think I could speak for both of us. This is the best atmosphere that we’ve raced in as part of Grand Slam Track,” Kerr said in one of the discussions with Grand Slam. “When that happens, the times get a little bit quicker. The track gets a little bit hotter, and people are really going for the win.”
Held at Franklin Field from May 31 to June 1, the Philadelphia leg featured a dramatic 1500m final. Josh Kerr timed his move perfectly, surging to victory down the homestretch.
“As racers, we start to understand what it’s like to run a 1500 with eight guys,” he added. “You don’t really need to go super early if you’re going for the win and that was just a really fun homestretch.”
The Briton collected 12 points for the 1500m win. He added 4 more with a fifth-place finish in the 800m, putting him on 16 total points for the meet. That was just one behind Marco Arop. Arop won the short-distance category in Philadelphia with 17 points.
Final Stop: Los Angeles
The focus now shifts to Los Angeles. The Grand Slam Track series will hold its finale from June 27 to 29. Kenny Bednarek has been the standout performer on the men’s side, leading the short sprints standings with 72 points
Jefferson-Wooden is in pole position for the Racer of the Year title with a total of 66 points. Who will be crowned the champion?
