Three Runners Advance To Quarterfinals On Day One Of Regionals

Wednesday, May 28

Jacksonville, Fla.

All Day

North Carolina

NCAA East Preliminary Round

Blaise Atkinson advances to quarterfinals

Photo by: UNC Athletic Communications

Three Runners Advance To Quarterfinals On Day One Of Regionals

May 29, 2025 | Track & Field

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – After a four-hour rain delay, the men's 1500m first round finally got underway as Carolina had two of three runners advance into the quarterfinals of the race on day one of the NCAA East First Round.

Ethan Strand (3:43.64) spent the majority of the race hanging with the pack and, towards the last turn, hit his kick and cruised to an easy victory, winning his heat. He had the fastest split in the last 400m, clocking in 53.75.

Aiden Neal (3:41.32) finished the first heat in seventh and was able to advance based on his time.

Blaise Atkinson (50.96) became the third Carolina runner to advance to the quarterfinals as he finished in third during the sixth and final heat of the men's 400m hurdles.

Wednesday Results

Men's 1500m First Round

14. Aiden Neal, 3:41.32 [q]

27. Ethan Strand, 3:43.64 [Q]

39. Joe Sapone, 3:46.12

Men's 400m Hurdles First Round

17. Blaise Atkinson, 50.96 [Q]

37. James Rivera, 52.54

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