Quran Clayton Carries Hot Streak Into Arcadia

Quran Clayton Jr. has been on a rampage. 

So far in 2026, the Oak Hills junior has already claimed a double title at the California Winter Championships, breaking the meet records in the 60m and 60m hurdles with times of 6.70 and 7.99, respectively. His hot streak has continued into the regular season, where he's run state-leading marks in the 100m and 110m hurdles, and isn't planning on slowing down any time soon. However, as Clayton navigates a state filled with the best short sprinters and hurdlers in the nation, he's learned that success comes down to more than just talent. 

"I've approached this season with more urgency and maturity, knowing how small the margins are," Clayton said. 

In California, where 10.51 means you'll be watching state finals from the stands, the margin of error couldn't be smaller. It's something he's familiar with, having missed the state meet in both the open 100m and 110m hurdles last year. 

"It was disappointing, but I know what I did wrong and [now] that I improved that I am more than ready, instead of getting discouraged, I used it as motivation." 

Despite a summer season that saw him set a 200m personal best and reach the 100m finals of the junior Olympics, it can be difficult to make it through a fall season devoid of competition. So what keeps him motivated? "the goals I set for myself and my dream of running in college," Clayton said.

"I'm motivated by knowing that the work I put in now is building the athlete I want to become."

It's early March, and that motivation is evident. At the Saddle-Up invitational on February 28th, Clayton produced two California leading marks in one meet, a 13.78 in the 110m hurdles and a stunning 10.29 in the 100m, which also ranks him at #3 in the nation. He also ran a leg on the Oak Hills 4x100m, which sped to 41.05, the third fastest time in California. 

The difficulty of both navigating the many post-season rounds and competing at the single-division CIF state meet produces depth that few states in the country match. In 2025, 13.99 ended as the 14th-best 110m hurdles mark in the state, with similar trends in the other sprint events. This level of competition has forced every athlete in the state to elevate themselves to meet the challenge. 

"Competing in California, especially in events like the 100 and 110 hurdles, forces you to raise your standard. With guys like Jasir, Prince, and the Servite athletes, you can't afford to be comfortable. It pushes me to train harder and focus on execution because I know I'll be lining up against some of the best in the country." Clayton said.

"Going into Arcadia and postseason, my mindset is to compete, not just participate, to trust my preparation and embrace the competition rather than be intimidated by it."