The Prefontaine Classic | Eugene, Cascades & Oregon Coast

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Skip to main content Back You Can't Stop Pre — His Legacy Lives On By Taj Barnhart Morgan on July 01, 2025

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 the 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. 

Steve Prefontaine is a beloved local hero.

Considered one of the best track and field meets in the world, the 2025 Prefontaine Classic will take place at Hayward Field, July 5. 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. In 2023, the Pre Classic at Hayward Field served as the Wanda Diamond League Final — also held in the U.S. for the first time.

: Melanie Griffin

"Go Pre" and "Stop Pre" became the call! These throw-back Prefontaine t-shirts were at Eugene Running Company.

What made the Prefontaine Classic the legendary track meet that it is? For starters, the inspiration of its namesake, Steve Prefontaine. It was a track meet sparked from the love and admiration Eugene held for its local track hero, and was developed with the enthusiasm of track meet directors like Tom Jordan. 

A quote from Steve Prefontaine in Will Leather Goods, which has crafted a limited edition leather shoe box in partnership with Nike for Pre50.

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 the 1976 Olympics, with many believing the gold was within his grasp.

: Melanie Griffin

Pre's Rock near Hendricks Park

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.

: Melanie Ryan Griffin

Hayward Field

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 started 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.

Jul 04

Prefontaine Classic

The Prefontaine Classic, a premiere track and field meet celebrates 51 years with its event at Hayward Field in Eugene. Named for the legendary runner Steve Prefontaine, the event showcases…

The Pre Classic Today

When the guns go off this spring marking the 50th 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.

Prefontaine Wall Art in Hayward Inn Fitness Gym

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. 

In 2025, the Pre50Classic was celebrated across the steps of the Graduate by Hilton Eugene hotel.

Spot tributes to Pre across town in murals and merchandise. His iconic image graces the backdrop of the Wild Duck bar where you might raise a glass to him after a day cheering at Hayward Field, or pick up a leather bracelet embossed with one of his inspirational quotes from Will Leather. 

: Taj Morgan

Steve Prefontaine Murals in Coos Bay, Oregon.

Visit Coos Bay

Prefontaine fans will want to pay homage to Steve Prefontaine in his coastal town of Coos Bay. This seaside community is just over two hours by car from Eugene. Places to visit include the Prefontaine Gallery with his awards and trophies at the Coos Art Museum, Marshfield High School, where he ran and Sunset Memorial Park, where he was laid to rest. There is a great photo opportunity in front of the outdoor mural of Pre in downtown Coos Bay across from Restaurant O. And, every September, there is the Prefontaine Memorial Run through the streets of downtown.

In Coos Bay, Pre's sister Linda Prefontaine offers guided tours for small groups and shares her family's stories. Inquire directly with her for scheduling and pricing.

: Turell Group

Running

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

Author

Taj Barnhart Morgan

Taj Barnhart Morgan is the Director of Content Strategy for Travel Lane County. A journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Taj has two decades of special event management and hospitality marketing experience in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. Passionate about mothering, and back to her Oregon roots, she is discovering the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region all over again through the eyes of her daughter.