About the Ed Murphey Classic: The Ed Murphey Classic is an annual professional track and field event held in Memphis, TN. Named in honor of Ed Murphey, a beloved figure in the track and field community, the event brings together Olympians and aspiring athletes from around the world. The Classic is dedicated to promoting the sport, inspiring young athletes, and fostering community engagement.
One of the difficult aspects of hosting track and field events is the limited reach of the sponsors and event organizers. In the perfect world the Ed Murphey team would have had Zoom interviews building up to the event and sports camps. The team would have done targeted TikTok and YouTube shorts to drive interest and engagement.
Athlete profiles would proliferate the website with content pulled from YouTube to familiarize non-track and field enthusiasts with the people who are participating in the three-day event.
As it stands an event featuring Olympians and current Team USA members like Vernon Turner (who met the Olympic Standard and was selected to the Olympic team after falling short at the Trials) could go unnoticed. Did you know the second fastest man in history, Yohan Blake of Jamaica will be in the house competing in the 100m?
Track and field stars including multiple Olympic medalist from Jamaica, Yohan Blake, and former University of Oregon standout and Olympian, Jenna Prandini.
July 11: University of Memphis
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Press Conference at the Billy J. Murphy Soccer and Track Complex at 10:30am. All interested media can obtain credentials HERE. Once your form is filled out and approved, you can pick up your credentials at the press conference or at the media check in at the track.
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Starting at 5pm, witness thrilling competitions in long jump, triple jump, high jump, and shot put.
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Up-close experience with all-access to the competition events
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Engage with athletes following their competitions and autograph signings.
July 12: University of Memphis
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Starting at 5:30pm, witness thrilling competitions in sprints and middle-distance races
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Engage with athletes following their competitions and autograph signings.
July 13: Beale Street at Handy Park
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Experience the excitement of street athletics with high-energy events set against the vibrant backdrop of Memphis’ historic Beale Street that include a road mile (kids, family, open to the public with pro events) and the famous John “Buck” Ewing Pole Vault
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Enjoy live music, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities with the headquarters set up at Alfred’s.
The Beale Street Games complete the three-day event, headquartered at Handy Park on Beale beginning at 3:30 PM. The event includes the Beale Street Murphey Mile which consists of a 1-mile road race on a course surrounding iconic Memphis landmarks like the FedEx Forum, Beale Street, The Orpheum and more.
This event is for youth, families, and adult runners and will end with a men’s and women’s professional race. The road mile will be happening while the women’s professional pole vault takes place in front of Alfred’s. This will
be the third year for the John “Buck” Ewing Beale Street Pole Vault competitions for professional women and men including American Record Holder and Olympic Medalist Sandi Morris, multiple World and Olympic Medalists and the current men’s American Record Holder, KC Lightfoot, and local Olympic standout, Sam Kendricks.
Press Conference: A press conference will be hosted at the Billy J. Murphy Soccer and Track Complex Thursday July 11th at 10:30am. The Press Conference will feature the following athletes (with link to their World Athletics profile):
• Craig Engels: 800m and Road mile, USA, former Murphey Classic Mile Champ, Ole Miss
Grad
• Alaysha Johnson: 100m, USA, 2024 Olympian, 3rd best hurdler in the World, 2-time
Murphey Champ (100m Hurdles)
• Jaydon Hibbert: Triple Jump, JAM, 2024 Olympian, 3rd best jumper in the World, Arkansas
Grad.
• Eric Holt: 800m, USA, US Olympic Trials semi-finalist.
• Jessica Ramsey, Shot Put, USA, Olympian, Memphis-based.
• Yohan Blake, 100m, JAM, 2nd fastest man in history, multiple Olympic and World Champs
medalist.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness world-class athletic performances and support the next generation of track and field stars. For more information, visit www.edmurpheyclassic.com or follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content.
Tickets for the Ed Murphey Classic are now available and can be purchased online at www.edmurpheyclassic.com/tickets. $10 in advance, and $15 at the gate.
Check out the Team USA Roster: USA Track & Field announces roster of 120 for Paris Olympic Games | USA Track & Field (usatf.org)
