VICTORIA—On June 12, 2024, the future of Canadian athletics returns to the University of Victoria's Centennial Stadium with the
2024 Victoria Track Classic powered by RunSport. Originally established in 1988 as a preparatory event for the Seoul Olympics, the Victoria Track Classic draws elite international athletes to UVic's campus and serves as a crucial stepping stone to global competitions in middle distances, sprints, and field events.
This year's event will once again draw top talent, including Gabriela-DeBues Stafford, Canada's fastest-ever 1500- and 5000-meter runner and two-time Olympian, who will run the 1500-metre as a tune-up for Paris. Former national champion and Pan Am Games bronze medalist William Paulson, who will also run the 1500-metre, is setting the pace on the men's side.
Twelve Vikes student-athletes and alumni, representing the Victoria Endurance Club, are gearing up to hit competitive times and personal bests on their home turf. Following a 10-day training camp in Oregon, the hub of North American track and field, student-athletes are ready to showcase their efforts and put on a show for local fans. Coming off the Portland Track Fest June 8-9, and various personal records, it's sure to be a great event.
U SPORTS All-Canadian
Elise Coates is coming off a successful 2024 university track season, including a pair of Canada West silver medals in the 1500 and 1,200 metres. As one to watch, Coates has been on a tear over the past few months after spending the earlier part of her career battling injury.
Other Vikes to keep an eye on include
David Waller, Ben Seshadri,
Anton Kuipers,
Tion McLeish,
Tate O'Brien,
Gabe Van Hezewijk,
Erin Owens,
Elissa Frielink,
Marisha Thompson,
Samara Cockburn,
Sofie Ohrling.
The 2024 edition of the Victoria Track Classic will begin at 6 p.m. next Wednesday, June 12, with the amateur races and the elites to the starting gun beginning at 7 p.m. Events to be contested are the men's 100 metres, women's 100-metre hurdles and men's and women's 400, 800 and 1,500 metres on the track and the javelin, pole vault and discus in the field.
The Victoria Track Classic is sanctioned by World Athletics, meaning athletes can gain qualifying points for the Paris Olympics. General admission is $15, with tickets available at the door or online through the UVic Vikes athletic department website. Kids 12 and under are free.
Next up, the Vikes head to Vancouver for the 2024 Jerome Classic.
