In April of 1969, Steve Prefontaine ran one of the most memorable races of his high school career. At the age of just 17, Pre ran the 2-mile race at the Corvallis Invitational in 8:41.5 for a new Oregon and National High School record. The Oregon record stood for more than 50 years, with the 2-mile distance becoming acclaimed throughout the state.
On Friday, July 3rd, the Men’s 2-mile will return to The Prefontaine Classic, headlined by Grant Fisher (Grand Blanc, Michigan). Fisher became a double bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics in the 5000m and 10,000m, making history as the first American man to medal in both events at a single Olympic Games. Grant also holds the world and American indoor records for the 3000m with a time of 7:22.91 and the 5000m at 12:44.09. The No. 1-ranked 5000m runner in the world, Fisher attended Stanford University, where he won the NCAA 5000m title in 2017 at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.
Two-time Olympic champion and three-time world gold medalist Katie Moon (Olmsted Falls, Ohio) will lead the field in the Pre Classic Women’s Pole Vault competition. Moon’s career best jump of 4.95m (16’ 2 ¾”) at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for the Tokyo Olympic Games set the current Hayward Field record and stands as the fifth-highest vault in history. A four-time U.S. national champion, Moon has also captured two Diamond League titles, including her 2023 victory at the Diamond League Final in Eugene and another in 2025. Katie won two NCAA Division II pole vault titles and three All-American honors while competing for Ashland University.
Seventeen-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus (Justin, Texas) will return to Hayward Field in the field for the Men’s 800m. Last summer in Eugene, the now high school junior finished second in the 800m final at the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships. Cooper earned a spot on Team USA for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, becoming the youngest American ever to qualify for a World Championships team. Lutkenhaus turned professional last fall and has had a sizzling start to the 2026 season, first setting the American U20 indoor record in the 800m at 1:45.23 in January before lowering it to a U20 world record of 1:44.03 last weekend.
Additional Friday night events for the 2026 Prefontaine Classic will be announced at a later date.
After Friday evening’s events, fans will be treated to a Drone Light Show above Hayward Field to celebrate the 4th of July and America’s 250th Birthday.
Tickets, VIP Experience Packages, and Accommodations packages will go on sale on Wednesday, February 25th at 10 a.m. Pacific at www.preclassic.com.
Those interested in volunteering at The Prefontaine Classic can learn more at www.gotracktownusa.com/volunteer.
