Grand Slam Track Philadelphia - Day Two

The second day of the Grand Slam Track showcased more rapid races and thrilling conclusions. Here are the highlights of three exhilarating races.

Old track coaches say, "you only have one move in the 800, make it count."

During the race, Mary Moraa surged to the front with roughly 250 meters remaining, but she couldn't create a significant gap between herself and the other competitors, ultimately losing the lead. Her move forward only succeeded in bringing four other runners along with her. With less than 200 meters left, Diribe Welteji took control of the race. Jessica Hull closely trailed but couldn't overtake Diribe once they entered the home straight. Georgia Hunter Bell came off the curve and passed Jessica Hull for the second position. Diribe Welteji held her lead for the first place finish.

Nikki Hiltz at the start of the women's 800M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Addison Wiley leading the women's 800M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Jessica Hull and Nikki Hiltz in the women's 800M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Diribe Welteji taking the win over Georgia Hunter Bell in the women's 800M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Diribe Welteji as the Women's Short Distance Grand Slam champion at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Hugs and congratulations after the women's 800M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

The men's 3000M run started similarly to many a championship race but there was no jogging today. It was an honest effort by the competitors from the second lap in. With just under three laps to go, Nico Young made a strong move to go from last position to second, just off the leader's shoulder. Not too soon after, Ky Robinson surged to the front to take over the lead position and pushed the pace further. On the last lap, with about 200 meters to go, the kicking began. Nico Young swung wide off the last turn and sprinted to the finish and the victory. Sam Gilman passed two runners to finish second. Ky Robinson sprinted hard in the closing meters to finish in the third position.

Ronald Kwemoi takes the field through the early stages of the men's 3000M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Ronald Kwemoi leads the field in the men's 3000M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Racers in the latter stages of the men's 3000M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Ky Robinson takes over the lead in the men's 3000M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Nico Young celebrates as he crosses the line in first place in the men's 3000M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Marco Arop immediately took the lead in the men's 1500M. Cole Hocker moved to the front and established the pace typical for a miler. It seemed he wasn't going to allow the 800M specialist to control the race.

Josh Hoey seizes control of the race with one lap remaining. However, the unexpected occurs. On the back straight, with under a lap left, Marco Arop goes wide to take the lead. His powerful move appears to unsettle the entire field. The sprint truly began with 100 meters left, as Cole Hocker surged back to the lead, only to be overtaken by Josh Kerr in the final stretch. With 50 meters to go, Josh Kerr extended his lead over Cole Hocker and secured the victory.

Cole Hocker setting the early pace of the men's 1500M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Josh Hoey takes the lead of the men's 1500M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Near the back of the pack, Samuel Chapple, Josh Kerr and Hobbs Kessler keep pace with the leaders in the men's 1500M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

Josh Kerr surges to victory over Cole Hocker and Hobbs Kessler in the men's 1500M at Grand Slam Track, June 1, 2025, Philadelphia, PA.

All photos by Mark Mathis