New Zealand's Geordie Beamish triumphs in dramatic style at the Penn Relays men's mile race.

Geordie Beamish of New Zealand wins the men's mile at the 129th Penn Relays in Philadelphia. Photo by Sam Mellish/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

New Zealand star Geordie Beamish delivered a stunning late charge to claim victory in the Penn Relays men's mile on Saturday, showcasing his speed and tactical brilliance. Beamish, the reigning world indoor 1,500m champion, crossed the line in 3 minutes 56.85 seconds under wet and challenging conditions at Philadelphia’s historic Franklin Field.

The race unfolded as a gripping contest from the start, but it was Beamish’s perfectly timed sprint down the outside in the closing meters that sealed the win. His powerful finish edged American runner-up Sam Ellis by just 0.03 seconds, while fellow American Wes Porter finished a close third, only 0.07 seconds behind the leader. The electrifying finish capped an exciting edition of the 129th Penn Relays, one of America’s oldest and most prestigious track and field meets.

“It was a lot of fun,” Beamish said afterward. “Really happy to be back on the track. It was a tough last 150 to finish. That finish line comes up real quick and I almost got it wrong but it's so much fun to get it right.”

Wet conditions fail to dampen spirits at Penn Relays

Despite the persistent rain and slippery track, athletes across multiple events embraced the challenge, using the competition as an important early-season test ahead of the World Athletics Championships set for September in Tokyo.

Elite runners saw the meet as a vital opportunity to gauge their form. While the weather added an extra layer of difficulty, it did little to dampen the intensity and competitive edge on display.

The thrilling men's mile finish was a fitting highlight. As Beamish stormed to victory, the crowd at Franklin Field roared in appreciation, witnessing a race that will be remembered for its drama and precision.

Josette Andrews sets meet record in women’s 1,500m

In the women's 1,500 meters, American runner Josette Andrews produced a dominant performance to kickstart her outdoor season, setting a new Penn Relays meet record of 4:01.76. Andrews pushed the pace from the start and maintained her momentum through to the finish, demonstrating remarkable control and endurance.

“I was feeling really good so not wanting to leave anything to chance and just push it,” Andrews said, reflecting on her decisive strategy.

American Dani Jones followed closely in second place with a time of 4:03.21, while Japan’s Nozomi Tanaka secured third in 4:05.44, rounding out a competitive podium.

Robert Farken shines in men’s 800 meters

German runner Robert Farken, the 2022 national champion, made a strong impression in his Penn Relays debut by winning the men’s 800 meters. Farken crossed the finish line in 1:45.45, edging out American Shane Cohen by 0.31 seconds.

“My first time racing here. I only heard the stories about it and it definitely didn't disappoint,” Farken said. “Even though the weather isn't great, the crowd is even better.”

The German athlete’s victory marked an important milestone as he builds towards a busy summer season, including a focus on the upcoming championships in Tokyo.

Nia Akins claims victory in women’s 800 meters

Two-time reigning US champion Nia Akins opened her outdoor season with a commanding performance in the women's 800 meters. Akins clocked 2:00.49 to take the title, comfortably ahead of France's Cindy Bourdier, who finished in 2:02.80.

Akins showcased her trademark speed and tactical awareness, positioning herself perfectly to surge away from the field over the final stretch. The American star appears to be in strong form ahead of the World Championships.

Shanieka Ricketts dominates the women's triple jump

Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts, the Olympic silver medalist from Paris and a two-time world runner-up, continued her impressive career by winning the women's triple jump. Ricketts recorded a best leap of 14.17 meters, outdistancing compatriot Imani Oliver, who finished second with a mark of 13.54 meters.

Ricketts’s consistency and technical excellence were on full display, affirming her status as one of the top contenders in the discipline heading into the global championship season.

Bermuda’s Jah-Nhai Perinchief wins men’s triple jump

In the men’s triple jump, Bermuda’s Jah-Nhai Perinchief claimed top honors by clearing 16.86 meters. Perinchief managed to fend off a challenge from Kaiwan Culmer of the Bahamas, who finished second with a jump of 16.41 meters.

The competition was fiercely contested, but Perinchief's best effort proved decisive on a day when every performance was tested by the difficult weather conditions.

Bailey Lear triumphs in women's 400 meters

American sprinter Bailey Lear delivered a strong performance to win the women’s 400 meters, posting a time of 51.21 seconds. Lear managed the conditions expertly, maintaining a consistent pace throughout the lap and surging ahead in the final 100 meters.

Jamaica's Leah Anderson secured second place, finishing 1.08 seconds behind Lear, in a race that emphasized resilience and race management in adverse weather.

Samantha Watson and Will Sumner win 600-meter races

Samantha Watson captured the women's 600 meters title with a time of 1:28.30, narrowly beating US compatriot Sarah Jane Underwood, who finished 0.56 seconds behind. Watson’s aggressive approach from the gun paid dividends as she established an early lead and held firm despite Underwood’s late charge.

On the men’s side, Will Sumner of the United States dominated the 600 meters, crossing the line in 1:17.36. Barbados’ Jonathan Jones took second in 1:18.33, unable to match Sumner’s strong finishing kick.

Early signs point to strong outdoor seasons ahead

With Geordie Beamish's victory headlining the event, the 129th Penn Relays provided valuable insights into the form of several top athletes ahead of the major championships later this year. Beamish’s performance, in particular, reinforced his reputation as a major contender not only in mile races but also in the broader middle-distance scene.

As the road to Tokyo intensifies, performances like Beamish’s thrilling win at the Penn Relays are sure to inspire both athletes and fans alike, building anticipation for what promises to be a captivating season of track and field.