In one of the most thrilling races of this year’s Penn Relays, Kingston College (KC) cemented its legacy by clinching a historic fourth consecutive win in the High School Boys’ 4×400 Championship of America, presented by Grace Foods. Their time of 3:05.93 not only secured victory but equalled a century-old record for most consecutive wins in the event.
KC’s winning team of Jabulani McLeod, Markel Smith, Roshawn Lee, and Marcinho Rose delivered a powerful performance, with their time standing as the second fastest in Penn Relays history, behind Calabar’s 3:03.79 set in 2018. It also bested their own previous Penn Relays best of 3:09.52 from 2022.
The race itself was a battle from start to finish. On the second leg, KC surged past Excelsior, while Calabar began to claw their way back into contention. By the anchor leg, Calabar had drawn level with KC, and Bullis High who was initially in fifth was mounting a dramatic comeback.
That comeback was powered by none other than Quincy Wilson, Bullis High’s star anchor. The Maryland-based team (Mickey Green, Cam Homer, Colin Abrams, Quincy Wilson) made a strong push in the final 200 metres, with Wilson closing the gap rapidly and challenging KC down the stretch.
But KC’s anchor Marcinho Rose, a seasoned performer on this stage, held his nerve. With grit and determination, he fended off Wilson’s charge and powered KC to the line, sealing a sensational win.
Bullis High’s valiant effort earned them second place and a remarkable consolation prize, a new American high school record. Their time of 3:06.31 broke the long-standing record of 3:07.40 set by California’s Hawthorne High in 1985. It also made them the fastest American team ever at the Penn Relays. Even more impressive, Quincy Wilson clocked a jaw-dropping 43.99 split on the anchor leg which is the fastest ever by a high schooler at the Relays.
Final Results:
- 1st – Kingston College (JAM): 3:05.93
- 2nd – Bullis High (USA): 3:06.31 (American HS Record)
- 3rd – Calabar (JAM): 3:06.52
- 4th – Excelsior (JAM): 3:07.98
- 5th – Jamaica College (JAM): 3:08.06
- DQ – St Elizabeth Technical (JAM)
After the race, both teams embraced the moment with mutual respect. KC and Bullis shared the infield, giving joint interviews and posing together for a group photo, an image that captured the sportsmanship and camaraderie that define the Penn Relays.
