Track North Athletic Club's Ross Proudfoot ran to a new personal best in the 1,500-metre race at the Runner's Choice Distance Series 1,500-metre Night in London on June 25.

Competing in a deep field of Canadian university and NCAA all-stars, Proudfoot placed eighth in a time of 3:50.08. This finishing time was just shy of the World Junior Championship standard. Anthony Berkis, of the Toronto Olympic Club, won the race in a time of 3:42.81. Proudfoot's time ranks him fifth in the country for athletes aged 19 and under.

“I felt strong over the first two laps, but slowed slightly on the third lap, and I couldn't quite make up the time over the final 300 metres,” Proudfoot said, following the race. “Despite that, I covered the last 100 metres better than I have all year.”

“Ross continues to impress,” Track North coach Darren Jermyn said. “He wasn't intimidated at all competing against a deep field of more seasoned and older runners. His training is progressing well and this race is an indication that he will be ready to compete with the favourites at the National Championships next week in Moncton.”

Proudfoot's next competition will be the National Junior Track and Field Championships, being contested in Moncton, N.B. July 2-4. He will compete in both the 1,500 and 3,000 metre races. This meet will serve as the final qualifying competition for the World Junior Championships, also being held in Moncton at the end of July.

Other Track North results from the 1,500-metre event include: Chantry Cargill, 4:05.17, and Eric Leishan, 4:07.81.