Prefontaine Classic
| Prefontaine Classic | |
|---|---|
Hayward Field in 2006
|
|
| Date | June |
| Location |
Hayward Field Eugene, Oregon, U.S. |
| Event type | Track and field |
| Established | 1973 1975 as Prefontaine Classic |
| Official site | Diamond League Eugene |
The Prefontaine Classic, an Oregon Track Club event, is one of the premier track and field meets in the United States, held in Eugene, Oregon. Every year it draws a world caliber field to compete at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon. Previously one of the IAAF Grand Prix events, it is now part of the IAAF Diamond League.
Started in 1973 as the "Hayward Field Restoration Meet," it was launched to help replace the deteriorated wooden west grandstand. It became the "Bowerman Classic" for 1975 to honor longtime University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman, and was scheduled for June 7. With the unexpected death of UO distance runner and Olympian Steve Prefontaine in an automobile accident on May 30, the Oregon Track Club changed the name, with Bowerman's approval, on June 1; the first "Pre Classic" was held six days later.Nike has been the primary sponsor since 1978.
Over the course of its history, four world records have been set at the Prefontaine Classic.
At the 2001 Prefontaine Classic Alan Webb ran 3:53.43 in the mile and broke Jim Ryun's national high school record that had stood for 36 years. This also was the fastest mile by an American in three years.
Maria de Lurdes Mutola won 16 consecutive (1993-2008) women's 800 m races at the Pre Classic.
Coordinates: 44°02′31″N 123°04′16″W / 44.042°N 123.071°W
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