Former UNC track and field star Ethan Strand made his professional debut on Saturday, competing in the International Mile race in the 2025 Prefontaine Classic. The result was about what anyone who’s followed Strand at UNC expected:
Ethan Strand, the collegiate mile record holder, makes a winning pro debut with Nike, clocking 3:48.86 to take the Men’s International Mile at the 50th Prefontaine Classic. 1. Ethan Strand, 3:48.86 2. Vincent Ciattei, 3:49.68 3. Gary Martin, 3:49.73 pic.twitter.com/MHTShAHay2
— The Stride Report (@TheStrideReport) July 5, 2025
Strand won the race with a time of 3:48.86, finishing less than a second ahead of Vincent Ciattei (3:49.68) and Gary Martin (3:49.73). His time was a personal best for an outdoor mile. After the race, Strand mentioned how the win would help boost his confidence as he competes in the USA Track and Field National Championships in early August.
Strand had a stellar career in both indoor and outdoor track at UNC. He is the first and only runner to break the NCAA record for the 3000M race and the mile in the same season. He was also a good cross country runner, finishing as an All-American in his final season. Strand was awarded the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Indoor Track National Athlete of the year honors and is a semifinalist for the prestigious Bowerman Award…