Deptford’s Lathan Brown ran a personal-best 48.72 Saturday in the Under-20 400 at the USATF New York City Grand Prix at Ichan Stadium on Randall’s Island.
Brown placed 3rd behind Meet of Champions runner-up Jaden Marchan of Leonia, who won the race in 48.00, and Jaylin Santiago of Fordham Prep of the Bronx, who was 2nd in 48.22.
Brown had a high school PR of 48.76 from his win at the South Jersey Group 3 sectionals at Delsea. He went on to win the state Group 3 title also at Delsea. He picked the intermediates for the Meet of Champions and placed 3rd in a PR 52.65 – 5th-fastest in Gloucester County history – and also took 5th at West Philly Nationals in 53.44, earning All-America honors.
He’s not yet listed on the entries, but Brown has qualified for the 400IH at the USATF Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Ore., next month. The 400IH qualifying standard is 53.54.
Brown will join Pennsauken’s Bryce Tucker as part of Rutgers’ incoming track class this fall. Tucker was U.S. No. 1 in the 400-meter hurdles this spring with his 50.96 to win his 3rd straight Meet of Champions.
From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank 