World-Class Athletes to Race Sunday in First Michigan Track Classic in Saline

Published by MLive on August 7, 2014

Nick Willis dreams big. He also knows how to finish.

The silver medal-winning Olympian and University of Michigan alumnus organized and will compete in the first Michigan Track Classic on Sunday at Saline High School. He’ll be one of 24 Olympic and world-class racers lacing up.

“We felt most people view track meets as something parents have to come to and see their kids run for hours,” Willis said. “We wanted quality over quantity. We didn’t want people to get bored … This year we’ve attracted runners from all over the country.”

Sunday’s USA Track and Field sanctioned event will kick off with the women’s 800m at 7:30 p.m., followed by the men’s mile.

The latter race is The Running Institute Ron Warhurst Mile, named after the former University of Michigan cross-country coach.

“Ron is the greatest name in the sport from this part of Michigan and I thought what better way to recognize that,” Willis said.

The classic will include several professional runners with local connections, including Willis, Nathan Brannen, Liam Boylan-Pett, Geena Gall-Lara, Nicole Sifuentes and Morgan Uceny.

Headlining is 20-year-old Ajee Wilson of New Jersey, considered the fastest woman in the world in 2014 after running the 800m in 1:57.67 to win the Diamond League Herculis on July 18 in Monaco.