USATF And Sound Running Team Up For Track Fest This May

In a major development for the track and field community, USA Track & Field (USATF) has announced a collaboration with Sound Running to host the inaugural Track Fest on May 24, 2025, at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

This event merges two prominent competitions—the USATF Distance Classic and Sound Running Track Fest—into a single, elite meet. The goal is to showcase top-tier distance talent.

Both the USATF Distance Classic and Sound Running Track Fest have brought out athletic performances. This includes Elle St. Pierre’s 14:34.12 victory in the women’s 5,000 meters at the 2024 Distance Classic. Her performance made her the fifth-fastest American ever.

Other notable winners included Bryce Hoppel in the men’s 800m (1:43.68), Selemon Barega of Ethiopia in the men’s 5,000m (12:51.60), and Diribe Welteji of Ethiopia in the women’s 1,500m (3:55.25).

What’s Track Fest All About?

As a World Athletics Silver Label event, Track Fest provides athletes the opportunity to achieve personal bests and meet qualifying standards. It features distance races from the 800m to the 10,000m, for both men and women.

The event provides youth athletes and fans a glimpse of high-level competition as they witness the same race tactics, strategies, and mental toughness required to perform at the highest level.

“Our goal is to give the athletes the best possible opportunity to race fast and build the fanbase here in LA,” said Sound Running Founder and Director of Track Fest Jesse Williams.

And this is important as professional athletes reach for upcoming Olympic dreams.

“We are incredibly excited about this collaboration with Sound Running to host Track Fest in Los Angeles,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel. “As we look toward the 2028 Games, events like Track Fest keep fans engaged by showcasing elite competition in an electric setting.”

Racing Under the Lights

The competition at Track Fest will be divided into two sessions. The early session begins in the early evening and includes a series of 800m races and sections of the 1,500m, 5,000m, and steeplechase.

As the sun sets, the evening’s main event will culminate with the men’s 10,000m, offering a high-stakes atmosphere as the world’s top athletes race under the lights.

Tickets to Track Fest is currently on sale. The elite meet helps set the stage for what’s to come when the Olympics comes to L.A.