Kingston, Jamaica – The pulse of global sprinting returns to its spiritual home this evening as the Racers Grand Prix ignites the track at the National Stadium. With a line-up that reads like a sprinting fantasy draft, fans are promised fireworks from 7:15 p.m. until the closing gun at 9:40 (Jamaica time).
In an event built on the tension between homegrown legends and rising international stars, Jamaican pride will be fiercely defended across multiple headline events.
Lightning at the line: Thompson, Seville, and Walaza lead men’s 100m battle
The marquee event of the night—the men’s 100m—promises to be a gripping collision of experience, ambition, and raw speed. All eyes will be on Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson and World finalist Oblique Seville, who will carry the Jamaican banner against South Africa’s 19-year-old prodigy, Bayanda Walaza.
“I’m really excited to compete in Jamaica,” Thompson shared. “The Racers Grand Prix has been one of my favorite meets. I just didn’t get to run there before, so I’m really excited for it.”
Walaza, whose sensational 9.94 seconds personal best places him among the world’s fastest teenagers, is eager to test himself on Jamaican soil—the birthplace of sprinting royalty.
“For me, being here is a quest of learning how Jamaicans did it back then and how they do it now,” said Walaza. “They say this place is the place of sprints, and I believe that.”
Despite his confidence, Walaza acknowledged the gravity of the challenge.
“I have fears of racing against big names… but you need to face your fears. Being on that line makes me stronger. If I’m in Jamaica, it means I’m fast,” he said with conviction.
Clayton twins take on American spark in women’s 100m
The women’s 100m will showcase a thrilling clash of sprint dynasties, as Jamaica’s Tia and Tina Clayton face off against American standout Jacious Sears and World U-20 champion Alana Reid.
Tia enters in scorching form with a season’s best of 10.92, while Tina is not far behind at 11.02. Sears, who scorched to 10.77 last season before injury setbacks, is eager to reclaim her form.
“My expectations are to run fast, like in any race,” Sears said. “I definitely want to run a PR but it’s about executing the best race I can—trusting God all the way through.”
Christopher Taylor returns for 200m redemption
In a long-awaited return, Christopher Taylor—a former Calabar phenom—will line up in the men’s 200m for the first time since 2022, following a two-year suspension. Having recently made a victorious comeback in the 400m, Taylor now faces a stiff test from Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes, who brings a season-best of 20.13.
The showdown, which also features national champion Bryan Levell, could provide Taylor with a triumphant moment of reintegration—and a marker for his road to full redemption.
Battle of the quarter-milers: Bailey vs. Jamaica’s best
Another must-watch is the men’s 400m, headlined by USA’s Christopher Bailey, the reigning World Indoor Champion. With a season’s best of 44.17, Bailey enters strong but wary.
“I was invited by Coach Glen Mills and it’s an honor to be here,” Bailey said. “I’m not chasing times. I’m just looking to have a clean and healthy race.”
Bailey will face fierce competition from Jamaican Olympians Zandrion Barnes, Demish Gaye, Deandre Watkin, and national record holder Rusheen McDonald. For Bailey, the race also serves as a litmus test after a strategic training break.
“After back-to-back PBs in China, I took May off for training. This race will show us where I’m at heading into the next phase of the season.”
More stars, more fire: Hurdles, 200m, and Shericka Jackson’s return
Beyond the sprints, the evening will dazzle with additional world-class talent:
- Shericka Jackson, the double World Champion, returns in the women’s 200m, ready to assert her dominance.
- Rasheed Broadbell, Olympic bronze medallist, clashes with Trey Cunningham, 2022 World silver medallist, in the men’s 110m hurdles.
- The women’s and men’s 400m hurdles, triple jump, and long jump will add depth and technical flair to the spectacle.
Tonight’s full championship schedule:
· 7:15 p.m. – Women’s Triple Jump
· 7:20 p.m. – Women’s 400m Hurdles
· 7:30 p.m. – Men’s 400m Hurdles
· 7:45 p.m. – Men’s 400m
· 7:55 p.m. – Women’s 400m
· 8:05 p.m. – Men’s 400m (Championship)
· 8:10 p.m. – Men’s Long Jump
· 8:15 p.m. – Women’s 200m
· 8:25 p.m. – Men’s 200m
· 8:40 p.m. – Women’s 100m
· 8:50 p.m. – Men’s 100m
· 9:05 p.m. – Women’s 100m Hurdles
· 9:20 p.m. – Men’s 110m Hurdles
· 9:30 p.m. – Women’s 100m (Championship)
· 9:40 p.m. – Men’s 100m (Championship)
As the lights blaze over Kingston’s iconic National Stadium, the Racers Grand Prix promises more than just speed—it promises legacy, courage, and the pursuit of greatness. For the sprinters on the line, tonight is not just a race—it’s a declaration.
