Kingston has been announced as the second host city for Grand Slam Track, the new global home of professional track competition, which is the brainchild of former world 200m and 400m record holder Michael Johnson.

The series that was launched earlier this year, gets underway in 2025 and will feature 96 of the world’s best athletes competing in one of 12 event groups over four events known as Slams.

Kingston joins Los Angeles as the second city confirmed as a slam host for the upcoming season, with two more locations to be announced in the coming week.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Grand Slam Track to Kingston,” said Michael Johnson, the league’s founder and Commissioner. “Jamaica has such a strong history in this sport. The talent and the love for the sport here make it a perfect fit for what we’re building. It’s going to be an incredible event, and we’re proud to have Kingston as one of our four Slams in our inaugural season to kick this whole thing off.”

The Kingston Slam, which runs from April 4-6, will be held at the National Stadium.

“Being chosen as a host city for Grand Slam Track™ is a big moment for Kingston and for Jamaica as a country,” said Hon. Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sports. “This is a chance for us to be part of something huge, bringing top athletes to our track and helping the sport grow in a new and exciting way. Fans will get to experience the sport they love up close, and it’ll be something special for everyone watching, both here and around the world.”

National 100m hurdles record holder Ackera Nugent, two-time World Championships 400m hurdles bronze medalist Rushell Clayton and Olympic finalist Roshawn Clarke are the Jamaican athletes confirmed thus far to take part in the inaugural season.

Other marquee names include Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Masai Russell, Kenny Bednarek, Cyrena Samba-Mayela, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Marileidy Paulino, Alison Dos Santos, Agnes Ngetich, Devon Allen and Fred Kerley.

The GST Racers are selected by the Grand Slam Track Racing Committee and will commit to racing in all four Slams per year. They will receive an annual base compensation for racing in each Slam and are eligible for full prize money.

The remaining 48 racers will be known as GST Challengers and will be paid a set appearance fee to compete at individual Slams.