TrackTown USA

Welcome to the running capital of the world! For anyone who has experienced the electrifying atmosphere of Hayward Field at the University of Oregon or jogged along the same running trails where Olympic athletes train, it's no surprise that Eugene is called a runner's paradise, the epicenter of track and field, and TrackTown USA

Eugene, Oregon is the heart and home of track and field. It was here that Nike took wings, when former Olympian and University of Oregon Track Coach Bill Bowerman and, then, middle-distance runner Phil Knight forged a partnership that ignited the beginnings of what would become the largest sports and fitness company in the world. It is here that one of the most famous track and field destinations in the world — Hayward Field — continues to host numerous championships and world-class track and field events. 

World Athletics Championships Oregon22

The TrackTown USA Legacy 

  • Host of the first World Athletics Championships held in the U.S. in 2022
  • Host of the first Diamond League Final held in the U.S. in 2023
  • Host of seven U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track and Field
  • Host to 47 Prefontaine Classics - Diamond League since 2010
  • Host to 17 NCAA D1 Outdoor Track & Field Championships
  • Host to 11 USATF Outdoor Championships
  • Host to three NSAF Outdoor Nationals high school championships
  • Host to the 2014 USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championships
  • Host to the 2014 U.S. debut of the IAAF World Junior Championships
Annual Events
  • Diamond League Prefontaine Classic
  • University of Oregon Collegiate Track Season
  • OSAA Track & Field Championships 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A
  • Eugene Marathon
  • Oregon Track Club Masters Hayward Classic
  • Bill Dellinger Invitational Cross Country Event

Hayward Field

In 2020, the stadium was re-built at Hayward Field prior to hosting the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field and the World Athletic Championships Oregon22. Its new innovative design pays tribute to the historic legacy of TrackTown USA. The adjacent community of Springfield shares in the community's running heritage, as the home to Bowerman and numerous other track stars and significant road races.

2022 Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field University of Oregon
: Melanie Ryan Griffin

Hayward Field

Runners, both the athletes and the fans, consider the University of Oregon's Hayward Field as a…

Track Legends 

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. Since then, many other amazing track and field athletes have followed, becoming local heroes, and many, even Olympians.

Nike Moon Shoes at Graduate Eugene
: Melanie Ryan Griffin

Birthplace of Nike

The Nike company took its first steps here in Eugene and Springfield. Former Olympian and University of…

H.W. Kerrigan's Heritage Trail plaque on display at the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House
: Shelton McMurphey Johnson House

Oregon22 Heritage Trail

The Oregon22 Heritage Trail honors 22 of Oregon's track and field global medalists in their home communities…

TrackTown USA Accolades

With its delightful chip trails interwoven throughout the city, Eugene is truly a runner's delight. Eugene continues to rack-up the running accolades:

"Best Places in the U.S. for Runners"
Outside, 2021
Eugene ranked #1

"Walk Friendly Community"
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, 2017
Eugene - Gold Level

 

 

Running & Track Partners

Additional organizations coordinate and manage a variety of road races, trail runs, triathlons and meets including Eclectic Edge Racing and Level 32 Racing. Pink Buffalo Racing provides a training course for track event directors. And USA Track and Field and the University of Oregon are strong partners for track and field.

Three people smile and show off their 5k medals during the World Championships Oregon22
: Melanie Ryan Griffin

Since its formation in 2012, the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission has celebrated and supported athletic events of all types and scale. The non-profit organization helps both local…

Running

Discover miles of running trails, plenty of 5Ks and an enthusiastic track community. Eugene, Oregon…