Grand Slam Track Kingston: Stars Converge in Jamaica for Inaugural Meet
A new era of elite track and field launches this week as the Grand Slam Track: Kingston meet brings a star-studded lineup of athletes to Independence Park’s National Stadium from April 4–6, 2025. This three-day meet – the first “Slam” of a new professional league founded by Olympic legend Michael Johnson – promises a high-stakes showcase of sprinting, hurdling, and distance racing in front of Jamaica’s famously passionate track fans. With top international competitors, massive prize money, and World Championships on the horizon, anticipation is running high for a formal, Grand Prix-style opening meet that could redefine the early season in track and field.
Grand Slam Track is a newly minted global league featuring four meets (called “Slams”) in its 2025 inaugural season. Kingston’s National Stadium earned the honor of kicking off the series, followed by events in Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles later this spring. Each Slam meet spans multiple days and challenges athletes to compete in two events over the weekend, accruing points based on finishes. The athlete with the highest combined score in their category wins the Slam and a grand prize of $100,000 – one of the richest single-meet purses in track. In total, the league boasts a $12.6 million prize pool and 96 athletes per meet (48 contracted “Racers” and 48 visiting “Challengers”) across all disciplines.
Organizers have tailored the schedule so that fans will see athletes double up in their specialties. For example, sprinters are expected to race both 100m and 200m, quarter-milers may contest 200m and 400m, hurdlers tackle short and long hurdles, and distance runners cover middle-distance and long-distance events. This innovative format means every session features marquee names in action more than once, upping the excitement and competitive stakes. “Grand Slam Track is creating a platform where the best of the best come together to push the limits of speed and endurance,” said Commissioner Michael Johnson, noting that the level of competition and frequent racing will make each meet “an unforgettable experience”.
