5 things you should know about the Prefontaine Classic
Updated: Jun. 06, 2014
Over this past weekend, Best Health, along with select media from Canada, China and the U.S. was hosted in Eugene,
Over this past weekend, Best Health, along with select media from Canada, China and the U.S. was hosted in Eugene, Oregon for an event surrounding the 2014 Prefontaine Classic. On behalf of Best Health, I got to take part in an amazing experience that included a tour of Nike’s headquarters, speed training with both Olympic medallist Mo Farah and former NFL player Alex Molden, and attendance at the 2014 Prefontaine Classic Track & Field meet. Here’s a rundown on what you should know about this annual event:
1. The Prefonatine Classic is named for Steve Prefonatine, a legendary distance runner who died in 1975 at just 24-years-old.
2. The 2014 meet was the 40th annual edition. (Nike has provided title sponsorship for the last 31 years.)
3. The meet is held at the historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, also known as Tracktown, U.S.A.
4. The Prefontaine Classic is arguably the most important track and field event in North America. It’s one of only two U.S. stops on the IAAF Diamond League tour, with most in European countries.
5. The results of the meet offer some predictions as to who will take home medals at the Summer Olympics. At this year’s event, Galen Rupp broke his own U.S. record in the 10,000 meters. He finished with a time of 26 minutes, 44.36 seconds!
