Matthew Centrowitz vs Clayton Murphy at the American Track League Live on ESPN

American Track League Release

Houston, TX- July 14: The American Track League confirms showdown between Olympian Matthew Centrowitz, Jr. and multi-NCAA Champion Clayton Murphy. After phenomenal races from both Centrowitz and Murphy at the Olympic Trials last week, these two champs will compete in the men's 1000m race in Houston on July 23rd at Rice University live on ESPN at 9pm ET.

Just a few days ago, Matthew Centrowitz crossed the Olympic Trials finish line first with a time of 3:34.09 in the 1500m race which broke the meet record and was 0.79 seconds ahead of second-place. In the last lap of the 1500m, Centrowitz came from behind and ran a closing circuit of 53.95 to secure first place and a spot on the Olympic team. This will be Centrowitz's second Olympic Games after a grueling fourth finish at the 2012 meet. Centrowitz looks to work on his speed at the Houston meet as he will be competing in the  rarely run 1000m where he will be tested by America's new running sensation Clayton Murphy. 

Newly pro middle distance athlete, Clayton Murphy has quickly made a name for himself with his signature kick in both the 800m and 1500m. At the 2016 NCAA Championships, Murphy displayed his jets as he set the track ablaze running down the first and second place runners. Murphy won the 1500m in a personal best 3:36.38 and closed his final 400m in 55.84. At the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, Murphy stunned the crowd with the same essence in the 800m race against World Indoor Champion, Boris Berian. Murphy slingshotted off the Hayward Stadium's Bowerman Curve to catch and pass Berian who held the lead the majority of the race. A 1 minute 44.76sec finish secured first place and a ticket to Rio for Murphy. 

The matchup between veteran Matthew Centrowitz and rookie Clayton Murphy will be one of many excellent races at the Houston meet of the American Track League on July 23rd. With live music by celebrity DJ Babey Drew and free beer for spectators 21 and over, this will surely be a party on the track! Tickets are available at www.americantrackleague.com and follow @AmericanTrackLeague on Twitter for latest news.