Track Town USA 

Eugene, Oregon has a long-standing reputation as the "Running Capital"

For anyone who has experienced the electrifying atmosphere inside Hayward Field or jogged along running trails where Olympic-caliber athletes train, it's no surprise that Eugene is called a runner's paradise, the epicenter of track and field, and Track Town, USA.  Eugene's track legacy includes: Historic Hayward Field The Birthplace of Nike World Class Runners, including Olympian Steve Prefontaine Numerous running trails and paths

Track Town USA Eugene, Oregon

From the legend of Steve Prefontaine to the waffle iron used to create rubber-spiked soles for Nike's earliest running shoes, Eugene is steeped in a rich running history and culture. Ranked among the best places for running, watching track and field events and for just being an all-out sports fan, Eugene is consistently noted for its athletic amenities and spirit.

Being a spectator, however, is optional. Join the camaraderie of fellow running enthusiasts by participating in one of a number of community runs. Lace up for the Eugene Marathon, the Butte to Butte or All-Comers' Track and Field Meet.  

Historic Hayward Field

One of the most famous track and field-only facilities in the world is Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. This is hallowed ground for track and field athletes and fans. Built in 1919, the historic venue has hosted numerous NCAA Championships and national championships, dozens of Prefontaine Classics and other world-class events.

The Olympic Track and Field Trials were hosted here in 1972, '76, '80, 2008 and 2012. The public may run and work out on the track year-round, and even compete in this championship arena when the Oregon Track Club sponsors its all-comers meets each July.

The surrounding neighborhood boasts local ice cream shops, restaurants and breweries; the UO campus; and quiet tree-lined residential streets and shady parks. After any large track and field event, athletes can be spotted indulging in a scoop of ice cream at Prince Pucklers or cooling down on the forest trails at Hendricks Park.

Nike, Inc.

The Nike company took its first steps here in Eugene. Former Olympian and University of Oregon Track Coach Bill Bowerman created a waffle-iron fashioned rubber-sole running shoe, and teamed up with then, middle-distance UO runner Phil Knight to refine and market this new running shoe.  Nike, Inc. was established in 1968, named after the Greek goddess of victory. This partnership ignited the largest sports and fitness company in the world. Visit Eugene's Nike Store at Oakway Center, which has a museum-like collection of Track Town USA memorabilia, including a pair of original waffle shoes.

Today Nike is headquartered in Portland, but owner Phil Knight is actively involved in supporting the University of Oregon and has contributed to many campus buildings and sports venues. From the UO Law School to the Autzen Stadium expansion, the John E. Jaqua  Center for Student Athletes to the Matthew Knight Arena, his imprint is recognizable across the campus.

When the Oregon Duck football team takes the field, their extensive wardrobe of Nike uniforms frequently makes newscaster commentary.

World Class Runners

Track legend Steve Prefontaine ran for the University of Oregon track team, amazing crowds by winning every American running record between 2,000 and 10,000 meters in 1975. Other running legends and Olympians who came out of coach Bowerman's UO "stable" include Alberto Salazar, Mary Decker Slaney, Lance Deal and Bill McChesney. Recent track star ascensions in Eugene include the rise of Nick Symmonds and Galen Rupp.  Eugene's fertile training ground promises to yield new crops of dedicated runners as the seasons progress.

A Sampling of Track Town Accolades

"Walk Friendly Community" 
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, 2012
Gold Level 

"Eugene Marathon Top Ten Greenest Races"
Runner's World, November 2008
Ranked 10th

"The Best Track to Watch a Meet"
Runner's World, May 2003
Hayward Field, University of Oregon, Eugene 

"The Best 20 Places in the Country to be a College Sports Fan"
Sports Illustrated, September 2003
Eugene ranked 7th

"10 Best Running Cities"
Runner's World, January 2001 
Eugene listed 6th

More Track Town Information

Running Maps & Trails	Running & Track Clubs	Triathlons
Steve Prefontaine	Track & Field Events	Hayward Field