The 2026 Circuit Chicago: Top Athletes

The Circuit in Chicago is back and year 2 of this event looks to be even more exciting than last year. The High Voltage two mile has compiled one of the best fields that we will see across the country, you’ll see some elite distance runners come together to hopefully break the 9 minute barrier. Our brand new interns, Brodie and Krishtian, break down the top 15 athletes by gender that will be competing at the Circuit.

Boys

1. Yohannes Van Meerten, Jr., Flagstaff Arizona

Yohannes Van Meerten is opening his junior year track season in the 2 mile after an outstanding XC season. A couple months ago, he claimed a silver medal at Nike Cross Nationals and scored a 4th place finish at Brooks Nationals. Although, he is much more versatile on the track, as he blazed a 14:28 5k at Nike Outdoor Nationals. Other personal bests from Yohannes include 4:23 in the 1600m and 9:14 in the 3200m. Who knows what the change in altitude from Flagstaff to Chicago will allow Yohannes to pull off in mid-February.

2. Paul Van Laningham, Sr., Cooper Kentucky

Coming from Cooper, Kentucky, Paul Van Laningham looks to continue his senior indoor season this weekend in the 2 mile. Although only racing two races so far, Paul still remains undefeated as he ran his first 3200m in a 9:08 last weekend. However, this is nowhere near Paul’s peak, as he took home silver at Nike Outdoor Nationals last year in the 3k with a 8:04. Other notable accomplishments this XC season include winning Kentucky’s State Championship, as well as placing top 10 at both Brooks and Nike Cross Nationals. Can Paul continue his streak of gold in the 2026 season while competing alongside some of the best at Gately?

3. Noah Bontrager, Sr., Westview Indiana

Noah Bontrager of Westview, Indiana returns for his final year of high school running, opening with a 2 mile race. He ended his last XC season with a Runner-up at the Indiana State Championship and claimed a top 10 spot in the Midwest NXR race. However, it is evident that Noah is more dominant on the track. He shocked the world last year by dominating the NBON 5k race with a 14:20 as a junior. Not only that, he is one of the most versatile athletes in this field. He has showcased his speed running a 1:53 800m and a 4:05 1600m. Also, in the middle of it all, his full 2 mile best is 8:46. With this in mind, Noah will have a chance to open up his senior season with just as an explosive race as he closed his season last year.

4. Andrew Beroset, Sr., McCallie Tennessee

Andrew Beroset of McCallie, Tennessee is entered in the 2 mile this weekend. As he enters his senior season, it is clear how bad he wants it. This was evident as he dominated the Tennessee State Championship as well as NXR Southeast. Currently, it is no different as he already took home a gold medal at the Indoor Music City 1 Mile with a 4:07. Already being this close to his 1 mile best of 4:04 this early in the season is a good sign for his race this weekend. Although his best of 8:49 is not the best in this race, he is showing a better fitness level than most so early in the season. It’s possible for Andrew to walk out of this weekend with another gold medal.

5. Calvin Seitz, Jr, Jasper Indiana

Calvin Seitz of Jasper, Indiana is the next Indiana entry in this 2 mile race. As only a sophomore, Calvin had a monumental XC season, finishing in the top 10 at Brooks Nationals and winning Brooks Midwest. However, this 2 mile race can be seen as a rematch of sorts for Noah Bontrager. Calvin stole the crown from Noah at the Indiana XC State Championship, but Calvin’s outstanding 5th place as a freshman at NON 5k could not beat Noah’s race. This race could be the foundation of the season for this young athlete. WIll Calvin be able to use his impressive marks of 1:54 in the 800m, 4:13 in the mile, and 8:54 in the 2 mile propel him into a historical sophomore track season? The kid may be young, but he has what it takes to compete with the best high school distance runners in the country.

6. Hunter Robbie, Sr., Niwot Colorado

Hunter Robbie of Niwot, Colorado is entered in the 2 mile this weekend. This will be his first 2 mile of the season as his current best of 8:50 is up there with the rest of the field. Hunter Robbie’s name is definitely still floating around the town, however, as he led his team to a record-breaking finish at NXN this year, with the lowest score of 61 points. Not only is he a team player, he also has some impressive feats. These include a 6th place finish at NXN, along with being the silver medalist to none other than the NXN Champion at his Regional meet. Hunter Robbie blitzed a mean 14:34 through the rough terrain of XC. Now, it is time to see if he can keep us this momentum into his senior track season.

7. Lucas Tanner, Sr., Deforest Wisconsin

Lucas Tanner of Defrost, Wisconsin is entered in the 2 mile at the Circuit as well. Lucas is the sleeper pick of this race, as his 3200m best of 9:09 has not yet cracked the 9 minute barrier. Just looking at this, you better not count Lucas out of this race. His notable placements of 12th at Brooks Nationals and 20th at NXN cannot be ignored. Not to mention, he was the runner up for the D1 Wisconsin State Championship. His speed will be a major factor to his race, as he has bests of 1:55 in the 800m, and 4:06 in the 1600m. So, although Lucas does not have the flashiest 3200m PR, he could still come out victorious if his early season fitness is top notch for his senior season.

8. Kavi Gibson, Sr., Cary Academy North Carolina

Kavi Gibson comes in from St. Cary Academy, North Carolina, to race his first full 2 mile race of the season. His fitness in the fall was incredible, as he placed 10th at Brooks Nationals, as well as blazing his state meet to be crowned the North Carolina State Champion. Also, he ran 8:59 in mid-November in the 3200m, which is close to his 2 mile best of 8:57. He has raced a couple of indoor meets so far, and it is clear that he is not trying to peak on a 200m track. He is known for peaking at the end of his season, blazing a 4:08 mile as proof at RunningLane last May. With this in mind, Gibson could use this race to see where he stands between some of the best of the country. But, he knows the goal is not the Circuit, it’s the National races in early June.

9. Nathan Lee, Sr., Brunswick Connecticut

Nathan Lee enters into the 2 mile at the Circuit. Coming all the way from Connecticut, Nathan’s stats are impressive to say the least. Rounding out his senior XC season with a 17th place finish at Brooks Nationals, Nathan has one more season left of his high school career. Already opening his season with solid opening marks, he has what it takes to smash his PRs of 4:08 mile and 8:52 3200m. His previous indoor 2 mile best is 8:57, but this could be the race we see him smash a huge indoor best if his base season training has gone well. With this level of competition, it’s now or never for the senior from Brunswick to test his fitness.

10. Rondre Austin, Sr., Motor City Track Club

The sprinting talent of this year’s Circuit is stunning to say the least with Rondre Austin of the Motor City men’s club being the headlining athlete. Austin is competing in all the major sprint events (60, 200, 400) and has run blazing fast times already to open the 2026 indoor season. As stated, Austin has run 6.93 in the 60m, 21.63 in the 200m and an electric 47.31 in the 400m. The 400m is definitely his strong suit as he placed 4th in Michigan at states and 7th in the 400m at 46.95 at NBNO 2025, we hope to see if Austin can break 47 indoors here at the Circuit.

11. Gabriel Olson, Sr., Milwaukee

Rondre Austin has some serious competition in the 400m and 200m races as Gabriel Olson, the senior out of Milwaukee, is entering the field. Gabriel has opened up his indoor season on fire; he has run 48.52 already in the 400m but this will be his first 200 of this indoor year. However he can not be discredited as he ran sub 22 (21.60) in the 2025 outdoor season. Gabriel has also ran under 48 in the 400m outdoors as last year he ran 47.88 to take the silver medal at the Wisconsin state meet. He will be very competitive in both these events but will have to blaze past Austin to take home gold at this meet.

12. Aaron Ramey, Sr., Central Kentucky

Aaron Ramey, a senior out of Louisville, is entered in the high jump at an incredible 6 '11.5”. He is currently ranked 11th in the country with that mark. He will be a clear cut star at the Circuit as he has started off his indoor season and is at his career best in high jump and the year just started! He has reached 6’ 10” twice this year and, based on his junior year, it is easy to see he is a true indoor competitor. Both of his best marks in long jump and high jump came during the 2025 indoor season, so clearly he thrives in this time of the year. Moreover, there is a good shot at Ramey breaking 7’ 0” and cracking into the top 10 in the country.  

13. Caelen D’Onofrio, Sr., Bloomington North Indiana

Also coming from Indiana, Caelen D’Onofrio looks to open up his senior season with a 2 mile. He has been a major player in Indiana’s fields, placing top 10 at his state meet. Not to mention his comparable marks of 1:53 in the 800m, 4:08 in the mile, and 9:09 in the 3200m. This race can be the perfect chance for Caelen to jump in the spotlight, not only against his fellow Indiana competitors, but against some of the best in the country. This could be the race that Indiana gains more of the credit that they deserve in the distance field.

14. Noah Johnson, Sr., Edina Minnesota

Noah Johnson, the senior out of Edina Minnesota, has entered the 60m and 200m fields. He is undoubtedly a name that will be heard about at this meet. In this indoor season he has run a 6.73 in the 60m and a 22.52 in the 200m. While his 200m may not be the fastest in the field, you can’t count Johnson out. He is the hottest racer right now as his 60m seems to be unmatched in the field. Johnson is coming off an incredible junior year as he placed 3rd in Minnesota in the 100m. With that in mind, he should be ready to blaze a new 60 PR at the Circuit. 

15. Sam Laverdiere, Sr., Lake Region Maine

Sam Laverdine of Lake Region, Maine is the last entry in the Circuit 2 mile. Sam is definitely the most experienced runner in true long distance events. This is shown with his top 30 placement at Brooks nationals, along with his 24:29 8k in the fall. This is a mark that not many runners have at the high school level. However, his track times are impressive as well. This includes his 4:13 1600m and 9:12 3200m. Sam could use this track season as a way to enhance his shorter long distance skills and become an amazing, well-rounded runner.

Girls

1. Summer Wilson, Sr., Irvine California

The narrow favorite to win the High Voltage two mile will be Summer Wilson from Irvine California. Wilson has some of the fastest returning track times in the entire country and she will be looking to chase those marks here at the Circuit. Her staggering 2 mile PR of 9:55 leads the field by over ten seconds, and her full mile of 4:48 is no joke either. During the cross country season, she took home the California Division 2 state title as well as running a wicked 15:14 3 mile PR. She was 23rd at Nike Cross Nationals which shows that she can clearly compete on the big stages. She will be a fun runner to watch here and she should post a blazing fast time.

2. Emma Hoffman, Sr., Otsego Michigan

Emma Hoffman of Otsego Michigan is having an electric start to her indoor season and she should be a runner to watch in the High Voltage 2 mile. Just last week, she ran an insane 16:09 5k at the Saginaw Distance Festival, which is currently US #2. She set her lifetime mile PR just 3 weeks ago with a scorching 4:49 at the GVSU MITS meet as well. This will be her season opener in the 2 mile, she will likely continue her trend of improvement and smash a new PR.

3. Macy Wingard, Sr., Denton Braswell Texas

One of the most well-rounded athletes from last year’s track season was Macy Wingard of Denton Braswell Texas, she will be a fierce competitor in this field. Wingard is one of 2 athletes in the High Voltage 2 mile that has run 4:42 in the mile, but she is much more capable of stepping up in distance. Her 3200 PR of 10:08 speaks for itself, but her 8th place finish at NXN and her 16:31 5k PR at Nike Indoor Nationals really show that she can handle the longer distances. Her speed at the shorter distances will come in handy here, she should be right up with Wilson and Hoffman.

4. Sophia Szolosi, Sr., Athens Ohio

Sophia Szolosi of Athens Ohio leads the group of chasers that will look to follow the top three athletes. Szolosi is the proud owner of a 4:49 mile and a 10:14 2 mile, both of those marks will serve her well against this elite field. However, the reason she’s ranked so high is because of her finish at Brooks Nationals during the cross country season. She shocked a lot of people when she took fourth in that race and it shows that she can race on the big stage. She is going to have her work cut out for her if she wants to break the top 3, but she can definitely drop a super fast time either way. 

5. Jazzlyn Garmer, Sr., Knoxville Tennessee

Jazzlyn Garmer of Knoxville Tennessee will look to get a fast 2 mile under her belt here at the Circuit. Garmer had an outstanding cross country season, taking 14th at Brooks nationals and 27th at NXN. Her track times are sound as well, with a 4:50 full mile PR and a 10:05 2 mile PR. She was 5th last year at NON in the 5k, with a huge PR of 16:31. She should add some excellent depth to this High Voltage field.

6. Calysta Garmer, Sr., Knoxville Tennessee

And if you thought Jazzlyn Garmer would be here without her twin sister, you would be sorely mistaken. Calysta Garmer of Knoxville Tennessee comes in right after her genetic copy, she should be right with her sister. Calysta has nearly identical PRs to Jazzlyn, with a 4:47 mile PR and a 10:01 2 mile PR. Her 5k is a little ahead of her sister’s with a 16:18 that earned her a national title at NBN. She was all American at NXN, with a 21st place finish and she took 22nd at Brooks Nationals as well. Her resume is virtually identical to her sister’s so she should also run an amazing race here. 

7. Payton Meineke, Sr., Riverdale Ridge Colorado

Payton Meineke of Riverdale Ridge Colorado will be a name to watch in the High Voltage 2 mile. Meineke has a PR that matches most of the field, with a 10:13 from Arcadia last season. Her mile PR comes from her sophomore year, where she ran 4:44 at RunningLane championships. She had a pretty successful cross country season where she placed 28th at Brooks Nationals and took home the runner up spot at the Colorado state meet. If she’s able to get back into the 2 mile rhythm smoothly, she should compete for a great time here.

8. Maggie McCormick, Sr., Bay Shore New York

Although she’s typically a miler, Maggie McCormick of Bay Shore New York will race up in the 2 mile and hopefully dish out a great mark. Her full mile PR of 4:42 is the fastest mile time in the field, which gives her the edge towards the end of the race. Her 2 mile PR isn’t exactly lacking, she posted a 10:23 last year in the one 3200 that she ran. She could surprise you here if the race is set up right for her, so watch out for McCormick in the High Voltage 2 mile. 

9. Annika Swan, Sr., St. Ignatius

The only distance runner on this list who isn’t racing in the 2 mile is Annika Swan of St. Ignatius, she will be running her main event; the mile. Swan is the returning double state champ in the 800 and the 1600, with PRs of 2:10 and 4:42 respectively. She has a devious kick at the end of her race that makes it really hard to beat her unless you drop her early. She has the fastest 3200 PR of 10:25 in the field, which means that anyone that wants to beat her will have to be aerobically powerful enough to beat a 10:25. If you look at the mile field, there doesn’t look like there will be anyone who is capable of dropping Swan early. So as long as she doesn’t trip and fall, she should grab an easy win here. 

10. Grace Bethel, Jr., Male Kentucky

One of the most premier sprinters in the entire country is coming to light up the Gately Park track, her name is Grace Bethel from Male Kentucky. Bethel is having an indoor season like no other, she has shattered nearly every PR. Her 60m went from a 7.78 last season to an earth-shattering 7.38 in just one calendar year. She is currently US #7 with that mark, so she’s clearly on another level. Her 200 PR of 23.72 has come from early indoor as well, she’s US #13 in that event. If she continues her streak of dominance, she should be in for 2 easy wins here at the Circuit.

11. Amelia Avila, Jr., Our Lady of Good Counsel Maryland

Amelia Avila of Our Lady Of Good Counsel is running her first 2 mile ever here at the Circuit, and she should be in for a huge race. Avila had a great cross country season, finishing 26th at NXN and 20th at Brooks Nationals. She has already run a huge mile PR of 4:50 this season, and she won the 3k at the VA showcase with a 9:47. She should be right with the top group and the elite field around her should carry her to an outstanding mark in the 2 mile. 

12. Marissa Ferebee, Sr., Pella Iowa

Marissa Ferebee of Pella Iowa will make her appearance in the High Voltage 2 mile, she should add to the competition nicely. Ferebee is the returning Iowa state champ in the 3k with a PR of 9:51. This puts her right in range with the rest of the High Voltage field, so she should be able to run a pretty solid race. Her 1500 of 4:31 converts to a 4:50 in the 1600, so her mile PR also stacks up well with the rest of this field. She might be trailing behind some of the other names on this list, but she will still put up a great time in the 2 mile. 

13. Ali Shutler, So., Chicago (St. Ignatius)

One of the top runners in Illinois has been moved into the High Voltage Field last minute, Ali Shutler of St. Ignatius will look to make her name known. She had an amazing freshman campaign with two silver medals at the IHSA state meet. Her mile PR of 4:52 and 2 mile PR of 10:16 put her right in the mix of this elite 2 mile field. She had a solid cross country season where she finished 4th in one of the fastest Illinois state meets ever, running 16:22 for 3 miles to do it. She will be right with the rest of this group, expect her to drop a nasty time. 

14. Kyenret Rinkam, Jr., Brookfield Central Wisconsin

Another elite sprinter, hailing from Wisconsin, is Kyenret Rinkam. Rinkam is the returning WIAA state champ in the 100 meter dash with a blistering PR of 11.65. She has been running on another level lately, with a huge 7.44 in the 60. If she is able to get everything right, she could be really close to Grace Bethel in the 60. The 200 will be a much more interesting race. Rinkam has the better PR, with a scary 23.49 from last summer. She has yet to break 24 this indoor season, but the Circuit could be the meet where she does it. 

15. Janae Coleman, So., Oak Park Michigan

The 400 is expected to be the closest race of the day, but Janae Coleman of Oak Park Michigan emerges as the narrow favorite. Coleman was a middle school superstar, with her 400 PR of 54.53 coming from her 8th grade year! She was second at the Michigan state meet in the 400 last season with a season best of 55.04. The interesting thing about Coleman is that her range is outstanding for a sprinter. She is able to size up events all the way to the 800 and still compete with the best. Her 600 PR is currently US #7, it stands at 1:31.74. Her 800 PR of 2:12.93 is no joke either, she’s got some serious range. Currently, she has a season best of 55.17 in the 400, which might not cut it if she wants to take the win here. There are several other girls that are capable of running 55 low, so Coleman will need to step up her game if she wants to snag a victory.