Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Prefontaine Classic

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Date
  
June

Event type
  
Track and field athletics

Official site
  
Diamond League Eugene

Prefontaine Classic wwwrunnerspacecommembersphotos2562012Prefon

Location
  
Hayward Field Eugene, Oregon, U.S.

Established
  
1973; 44 years ago (1973) 1975 as Prefontaine Classic

Eugene 2014 highlights prefontaine classic


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.

Contents

Eugene 2015 highlights prefontaine classic


History

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.

World records

Over the course of its history, four world records have been set at the Prefontaine Classic.

Alan Webb's high school record

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 Mutola in the 800 m

Maria de Lurdes Mutola won 16 consecutive (1993-2008) women's 800 m races at the Pre Classic.

References

Prefontaine Classic Wikipedia