Press Release
The Jerome Classic’s goal has been to provide young Canadian track and field athletes with an opportunity to compete against international competition right here at home. There is no better example than the 2024 men’s 800m.
From Nelson, BC representing the Kooteney Chaos, 21 year old Matti Erickson will be aiming for the podium on Saturday at Swangard Stadium.
He started running at the Jerome Indoor Games at the Richmond Olympic Oval at age 11 years setting meet records, some of which still stand. His talent was clearly identified as he won the BC High School Championships and the U20 Canadian titles plus representing our country at International U20 Championships. Matti won an athletic scholarship to the famed University of Oregon.
Last Sunday, he won the 800m High Performance section of the Portland Track Festival in a new personal best of 1:45.74 continuing his yearly improvement.
2017 1:59.05 age 14
2018 1:56.50 age 15
2019 1:53.82 age 16
2020 Covid year
2021 1:50.11 age 18
2022 1:48.27 age 19
2023 1:46.84 age 20
2024 1:45.74 age 21
Matti Erickson will face a strong international field at the Jerome Classic on Saturday.
Alex Amanaka, Ghana 1:44.98
Quamel Prince, Guyana 1:45.54
Cillian Kirwin, Ireland 1:45.75
Handal Roban, St Vincent 1:45.93
Zakary Mama-Yari, Canada 1:45.93
Abdullahi Hassan, Canada 1:46.61
Yaser Aber, Canada 1:46.93
Charles Philibert Thiboutot, Canada 1:47.57
Can Matti gain the podium on Saturday? Be there it will be great race!
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, please contact:
604-872-2928
The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® is a non-profit that organizes the First Half presented by BlueShore Financial, BMO Vancouver Marathon, the Jerome Classic, Granville Island Turkey Trot and Great Trek presented by BlueShore Financial. runvan.org/races
