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.
Video 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.
Maps Prefontaine Classic
World records
Over the course of its history, four world records have been set at the Prefontaine Classic.
Notable performances and records
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.
Meet records
Men
Women
Notes
- ^a en route in Mile
- ^b en route in 2-Mile
References
External links
- Diamond League - Eugene Official Web Site
- Official Prefontaine Classic website
- Prefontaine on IMDb
- Without Limits on IMDb
- Official Steve Prefontaine website
- Pre Classic Results, Race Videos, News and Photos
- GoPre.com: Prefontaine Fan Site
- Steve Prefontaine Book
Source of article : Wikipedia
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