You Can't Stop Pre — His Legacy Lives On

Eugene, Oregon, known as "TrackTown USA", is the frequent host to star-studded track events from the Olympic Trials to the NCAA Championships. Eugene even hosted the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 for its first time in the U.S.!

But there is one legendary annual track meet that personifies this "Running Capital of the U.S." best: the Prefontaine Classic. 

Considered one of the best track and field meets in the world, the 2024 Prefontaine Classic will take place at Hayward Field, May 25. This beloved event is the longest running outdoor invitational track and field meet in the nation. 

The Prefontaine Classic is part of the international and distinguished Wanda Diamond League. Founded in 2010, fourteen elite track and field invitationals take place around the world annually from Paris to Doha to Shanghai to Eugene, Oregon. The series is in the top tier of the World Athletics' (formerly known as the IAAF) one-day competitions. Last year, the Pre Classic at Hayward Field served as the 2023 Wanda Diamond League Final — also held in the U.S. for the first time.

Steve Prefontaine

To commemorate Steve Prefontaine for his inspirational and legendary distance running, a track meet in his name was established at Hayward Field in 1975. "Pre" was honored for his hard driving dedication to his sport, his call for the rights of amateur athletes, and for his grassroots environmental activism. He was Oregon's own, growing up in Coos Bay on the Oregon Coast and setting the national high school 2-mile record at Marshfield High School.

Pre went on to win every collegiate track race, all distances, that he ran for the University of Oregon. Running alongside the then unknown Phil Knight (Nike) and under Coach Bill Bowerman, renowned for coaching many a track champion, Pre was already a local celebrity. After finishing fourth in the 5K at the 1972 Munich Olympics, he was preparing to compete again in 1976 Olympics, with many believing the gold was within his grasp.

Tragically, his life was cut short in a 1975 motor vehicle accident, and the Pre Classic came together that same year. Like Pre himself, the Prefontaine Classic has become a track meet of legendary proportions.

Tom Jordan

Former Track and Field News contributor Tom Jordan stepped into the role of Pre Classic meet director in 1984. Noting that track meets often had long pauses between events — testing the attention-span of even the most dedicated track fan — Tom set a new pace for the Pre Classic. He compressed the event schedule with back-to-back action happening across the field, a track and field event meet model that has caught on around the world.

Along with its quicker tempo, the champions that starting dotting the roster drew national attention. It seems that competing in front of Eugene's passionate fan base was an experience that every track athlete could appreciate. The track audience was informed, attentive and cared about track—and they showed up to cheer! In the 90s, Jordan met Steve Miller who was the current head of Nike's global athletics. Miller arranged for Sergey Bubka, one of the biggest names in the sport at that time, to compete in the 1993 Pre Classic. And with all eyes on Bubka, he almost set a world record. Other athletes noticed, and eager to experience Hayward Field's magic too, they started to show up, and also to break records here.

Recognizing Jordan's contributions and tireless dedication to this event among others, Travel Lane County awarded him with the Sports Legacy Award in 2020.

The Pre Classic Today

When the guns go off this spring marking the 49th annual Prefontaine Classic, fans will witness some of today's most watched track stars compete. Pay attention to the "Pre Classic Mile", also now known as the Bowerman Mile, which is considered the greatest race in the U.S. racking up more times under four minutes than any other American meet.

A Legacy Celebrated

Tributes to Steve Prefontaine go beyond the Pre Classic. There is a dedicated bark chip running path dedicated to him, a memorial plaque at the roadside site of his death and his portrait graces many a mural or backdrop. The Eugene Symphony even presented a composition by David Schiff called "Prefontaine" which was inspired by his life and legacy. Learn more about him at Hayward Hall, along with other track legends.