Indiana athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 USATF Masters Outdoor Track & Field Championships, held July 16-19 at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.
The championships, which attracted 1,719 athletes from all 50 states, were significantly impacted by poor air quality caused by the Canadian wildfires. Originally scheduled as a four-day meet, the competition was effectively condensed into two days as organizers moved some events to the adjacent indoor track, revised the competition schedule, and canceled others due to unsafe air quality. Despite the challenging conditions, 25 Indiana athletes combined to compete in 50 events at the national championships.
Leading the way for Indiana were Brian Tullis (Unattached) and Kent Powers (Unattached), who each captured two national titles. Tullis completed an impressive middle-distance double by winning the M50-54 800m in 1:59.01 and the 1500m in 4:14.72, while Powers swept the M65-69 High Jump and Triple Jump.
Indiana athletes earned five additional national titles. Kimberly Novick (Unattached) claimed the W45-49 5000m championship, while Shura Ermakov (Unattached) captured the W25-29 400m Hurdles title. Anthony Heath (Unattached) won the M55-59 Pole Vault, Brenda Babits (Vault High Athletics) captured the W65-69 Pole Vault, and Lidia Taylor (Unattached) earned gold in the W45-49 Shot Put.
Indiana athletes added an impressive collection of runner-up finishes. Grace Liang (Unattached) earned silver medals in the W35-39 100m, 200m, and Long Jump. Nick Blakey (Unattached) finished second in the M35-39 400m, while Kimberly Novick added a silver medal in the W45-49 1500m. Additional silver medalists included Mark Jakubowski (Unattached) in the M65-69 100m Hurdles, Tanja Grant (Unattached) in the W55-59 High Jump, Emily Broadstock (Unattached) in the W35-39 Pole Vault, and Lidia Taylor in the W45-49 Hammer Throw.
Bronze medals were earned by Debra Haviland (Unattached) in the W70-74 5000m, Roger Malone (Unattached) in the M55-59 100m Hurdles, Chet Clodfelter (Unattached) in the M60-64 Pole Vault, and Mark Jakubowski in the M65-69 Discus Throw.
Despite the challenging conditions and a significantly altered competition schedule, Indiana's masters athletes returned home with nine national titles and numerous additional podium finishes, showcasing the depth and talent of the Hoosier State's masters track & field community.
The complete Indiana results scoreboard can be found here. Next year's championships will be held July 22-25 in Ames, Iowa.