Elise Cranny and Mary Moraa round out a group of the latest athletes to sign with Grand Slam Track on Thursday, the league confirmed in an announcement.
Nozomi Tanaka, Daryll Neita and Salwa Eid Naser were also revealed to join Cranny and Neita on the roster as “Racers,” who will compete in all four meets when the league debuts in April.
“Grand Slam Track continues to build momentum as we get closer to our inaugural 2025 season,” Michael Johnson, the league’s founder said in a statement. “The attention and recognition this league is gaining is incredible, and it continues to be clear that the best in the world want to be a part of it, as you can see from this group of women we have announced today. As we continue to bring in top-tier talent from across the globe, this platform is becoming the premier stage for athletes to showcase their speed. With each new addition, we’re raising the bar and creating something truly special – a Festival of Speed – for fans to enjoy when the season kicks off in Kingston in April.”
The addition of all five runners brings the total number of signed athletes to 37 for Johnson’s league, with 11 slots remaining on the way to 48 “Racers.” The format of the meets will also include 48 “Challengers,” who aren’t obligated to appear at each meet but still eligible for prize money.
Cranny has soared in the 5,000m and 10,000m distances and took gold in the 2022 USA Outdoor Championships in the 5,000m in 15:49.15. She holds the American record in the outdoor 3,000m with a 8:25.10 mark that was set in August of 2024. Cranny is a two-time Olympian and competed at the 2020 Tokyo Games and 2024 Paris Games in the 5,000m.
“I’m honestly so excited to be part of Grand Slam Track,” Cranny said in a statement. “It’s an incredible feeling to know I’m part of this extremely elite group of athletes who’ve set records and reached the top of their sport. But honestly, it’s more than just about the competition—it’s about what I can learn and how I can level up as an athlete. Every race is an opportunity to understand myself better, to see where I’m strong and where I can improve. I can’t wait to get racing.”
Moraa won bronze in the 800m at the Paris Olympics in 1:57.42 and is the Kenyan record holder in the 400m (50.38) and holds the world record in the 600m (1:56.03). Moraa was the 2022 Diamond League 800m champion in 2022.
“I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Grand Slam Track,” Moraa said in statement. “This is a big step for me, and I’m determined to work hard and give my absolute best in every race. Competing in all four Slam events will push me to be better and to keep growing as an athlete. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and know this is a chance to truly elevate my career, and represent Kenya on the global stage.”
Eid Naser won silver in the 400m at the Paris Games in 48.53, while Nozomi Tanaka is the current Japanese record holder in the women’s 1500m and 3000m and Daryll Neita one silver as part of Great Britain’s women’s 4 x 100m relay in Paris.
Grand Slam Track will debut in Kingston, Jamaica on April, with three additional meets to follow in Miami (May 2), Philadelphia (May 30) and Los Angeles (June 27).
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