Prefontaine Classic 2014: Course Info, Date and Event Schedule
In one of the biggest track meets of the year, the 2014 edition of the Prefontaine Classic will take place at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, as part of the IAAF Diamond League.
While the competition is the main focus for many track and field fans, the annual event is a homage to former Oregon star and Olympian Steve Prefontaine, who died in a car accident in 1975.
Here is all the vital information for the 2014 Prefontaine Classic.
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Where: University of Oregon's Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon
When: Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31
| May 30 | 7 p.m. | Discus Women | Women |
| May 30 | 7:03 p.m. | Long Jump Women | Women |
| May 30 | 7:30 p.m. | 800m Women USATF HP Sec 1 | Women |
| May 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Mens 800 International | Men |
| May 30 | 7:50 p.m. | 800m Women USATF HP Sec II | Women |
| May 30 | 8:10 p.m. | Shot Put Men | Men |
| May 30 | 8:17 p.m. | 10,000m Men | Men |
| May 31 | 12:22 p.m. | Triple Jump Men | Men |
| May 31 | 12:25 p.m. | Pole Vault Men | Men |
| May 31 | 12:30 p.m. | International Mile Men | Men |
| May 31 | 12:42 p.m. | 2-Mile Women | Women |
| May 31 | 12:59 p.m. | High Jump Women | Women |
| May 31 | 1:03 p.m. | 400 m Hurdles Women | Women |
| May 31 | 1:11 p.m. | 3000m Steeplechase Women | Women |
| May 31 | 1:25 p.m. | 400m Men | Men |
| May 31 | 1:34 p.m. | 100m Men | Men |
| May 31 | 1:38 p.m. | Javelin Throw Men | Men |
| May 31 | 1:42 p.m. | 400 m Women | Women |
| May 31 | 1:49 p.m. | 1500m Women | Women |
| May 31 | 2:05 p.m. | 110 m Hurdles Men | Men |
| May 31 | 2:13 p.m. | 200 m Women | Women |
| May 31 | 2:20 p.m. | 5000m Men | Men |
| May 31 | 2:41 p.m. | 800m Men | Men |
| May 31 | 2:49 p.m. | Bowerman Mile | Men |
Competitors to Watch this Weekend
In the 40th annual Prefontaine Classic from Hayward Field, the competition will be incredibly fierce. Despite this event doing great things for charities, this is a track meet first and foremost, and there will be no friends on the course.
With track veterans in the field for the men and women—as well as several unproven athletes with the ability to steal the show—fans lucky enough to attend the events will be treated to an excellent showcase of skill, power and finesse.
One of the biggest names in the competition is Justin Gatlin. As a former Olympic gold medalist in 2004, Gatlin has rebuilt his career after a four-year suspension and looks to return to Oregon with more gold on his mind.
As the four-time winner and defending Diamond Race 100 meters champion, all eyes will be on Gatlin as he looks to add to his all-time record. His four wins are the most ever, ahead of legends like Maurice Greene (three-time champion) and Carl Lewis (two-time champion).
The men’s side also features stars like Nesta Carter, Mike Rodgers and Nickel Ashmeade, and fans will be treated to a heated competition in almost every event.
While the men’s side is impressive, the women’s competition features the defending IAAF Athlete of the Year, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Not only did she win the gold medal in the 200 meters, 100 meters and relay last year at the Moscow World Championships, but she also has two Olympic gold medals in the 100 meters.
Add in fellow champions Allyson Felix, Blessing Okagbare, Murielle Ahoure and Kimberlyn Duncan, and the women’s field is absolutely stacked.
Between Gatlin on the men’s side and Fraser-Pryce on the women’s side, there will be plenty of raw skill on the track this weekend. There will undoubtedly be men and women who try to dethrone the two biggest stars, but it will be an uphill climb.
*Stats and information via DiamondLeague-Eugene.com.
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