​The Ed Murphey Classic returns for its 10th straight year, kicking off a two-day track and field event on July 10 at the University of Memphis. The following day, July 11, the competition shifts downtown for the Beale Street Games, featuring spotlight events such as the shot put and pole vault. Here is what to know about the 2026 Ed Murphey Classic and the athletes taking part.
Harrison Williams will compete in his hometown for the first time as a professional. A 30-year-old veteran of the sport, Williams competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, earned an NCAA Indoor championship, and won the decathlon at the 2023 USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships. “I’m hoping that people see it’s possible. It’s possible to be from Memphis and compete at a place like Paris in the Olympic Games,” Williams said during a July 9 media event. He added that Memphis is home to some of the best athletes in the world, and there’s no reason the city can’t see five or six Olympians in Los Angeles in a few years. Williams began his decathlon journey at Memphis University School after his coach, Bobby Alston, challenged him to try the decathlon, and today he stands as one of the world’s leading decathletes. “I’ve been able to watch this meet grow over the years, so it’s awesome,” Williams said. “To be honest, I missed the barbecue.” Williams is set to compete in the discus event at the Ed Murphey Classic.
Quincy Wilson is another standout figure connected to the Murphey Classic. He set the 400-meter Under-18 World Record at the event in 2025, clocking a time of 44.10 seconds, and he delivered a memorable performance that drew significant attention. In 2026, Wilson is widely regarded as one of the event’s headliners. After helping Team USA secure gold in the 4×400 relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Wilson chose to complete his senior year of high school athletics before turning his attention to college competition, where he will continue his track career at Maryland. Williams reflected on the lessons learned along the way, noting the importance of discipline: “My biggest lesson for me is probably staying disciplined; there are a lot of things that can take you away from the main thing. I’ve had my ups and downs, I’ve had my lessons, I’ve learned from a lot of them.”
The Ed Murphey Classic continues to stand out as a premier meet that draws both professional athletes and Olympians to Memphis. Its unique atmosphere, increasing prize money, and enthusiastic fans contribute to the event’s ongoing appeal. Williams emphasized the overall experience, describing it as a blend of competition, community engagement, and encouragement from the local crowd. “The environment, the prize money going up every year, and the fans—the fan meet-and-greet—it’s a combination of everything,” he said.
The Ed Murphey Classic is part of the circuit that determines the USA Track and Field standings, with $50,000 prizes awarded to the men’s and women’s overall champions. These prize funds contribute to the meet’s prestige and its ability to attract elite competitors. For coverage and updates, keep an eye on local outlets and the event’s announcements, as they provide insights into participant lineups and notable performances.
This article originally appeared in the Memphis Commercial Appeal and highlights what to know about the Ed Murphey Classic, including insights on Harrison Williams, Quincy Wilson, and other competitors as they prepare for the 2026 edition. For more details, contact the Commercial Appeal sports staff or reach the sports intern team for further updates.