With one month until the world’s best meet returns to Hayward Field at the University of Oregon, The Prefontaine Classic has announced this year’s schedule of fan-first activations. Community members and fans traveling in for the meet are encouraged to take advantage of the Lexus Community Events in the lead-up to the 50th edition of the Pre Classic.
Weekend festivities get started with the Oregon Track Club All-Comers Meet at The Prefontaine Classic, presented by PeaceHealth on Wednesday, July 2. Youth athletes ages 12 and under are invited to run, jump, and throw at Hayward Field beginning at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time. Participation is free for Oregon Track Club (OTC) and TrackTown USA Kids Club members. Non-members may participate for only $7. Full event information is available on the OTC website (oregontrackclub.com).
The following evening, fans of all ages are invited to run or walk one mile under the lights at Hayward Field for this year’s Night of Miles at the Pre Classic, presented by Noogs on Thursday, July 3. With 1,000 expected participants, advance registration is highly recommended and comes at no cost to the participant. Heats will be determined by seed time and begin at 6:00 p.m. Pacific time. Complete event information, including registration and waiver links, is available on the Pre Classic website (preclassic.com/nightofmiles).
After warming up with a mile on Hayward Field, fans are encouraged to double back the next morning and race in the iconic Oregon Track Club Butte to Butte, presented by Rexius beginning with the 5k run/walk at 7:30 a.m. Pacific time on Friday, July 4. First run in 1973, the Butte to Butte starts near the base of Spencer Butte and runs 10 kilometers through the streets of Eugene before ending near the base of Skinner Butte. In addition to the 10k run, options for a 5k run/walk and 4 Mile Mayor’s Walk are also available. With thousands of participants every year, Butte to Butte is a local 4th of July tradition like no other. More information and registration can be found on the Butte to Butte website (buttetobutte.com).
On Saturday, July 5, fans will have two options for how they get meet-ready ahead of the 50th edition of The Prefontaine Classic. The Marshfield District returns to Agate Street, serving as the meet’s fan festival named to honor a district in Steve Prefontaine’s hometown of Coos Bay, Oregon. This year’s festival will feature family-friendly activations, food and beverage experiences, and fans’ first chance to purchase exclusive Pre Classic merchandise. Fans will enjoy local flavors from Bangers & Brew, Hole in the Wall BBQ, Oregon Wood Fired Pizza, Kona Ice, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, Hop Valley Brewing and more. The TrackTown USA Kids Club will also return with its Kids Zone, a space for games and activities geared toward track & field’s younger fans. Just down the street in the Marshfield District, TOGETHXR, the fastest-growing and most-engaging women’s sports brand, will host a “Get TOGETHXR” complete with customizable merchandise, photo ops, and giveaways. The Marshfield District is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific time.
In addition to the Marshfield District, fans have the option of purchasing a pass for this year’s Lexus Legacy Experience, an all-inclusive VIP offering that takes place in the hours before and after the meet. Beginning at 10 am Pacific time, Lexus Legacy Experience passholders will receive premium parking access and welcome entertainment provided by On The Rocks and Oregon Bach Festival harpsichord artist Tung Nguyen before an all-inclusive brunch. Special guests of the meet, including Maria Mutola and Alan Webb, will also be in attendance. Following the day’s action, Lexus Legacy Experience passholders return to the VIP space, adjacent to the athlete warmup and cooldown area, for a post-meet happy hour celebration. All-inclusive bites with local Oregon flavors will be provided both during the brunch and happy hour by Shield Catering, and signature cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided by Honeysuckle Bartending.
During the meet, youth in 1st through 8th grade have the opportunity to be a Youth Buddy to track & field’s biggest stars. Similar to other global sporting events, these Youth Buddies will accompany the athletes out to the field of play in an effort to inspire the next generation of track & field athletes and provide a positive moment of impact for youth. Due to the success of this initiative’s launch in 2024, the Youth Buddies program will expand beyond field events for 2025, providing opportunities for youth accompaniment for multiple running events as well. Parents of interested children can register their child for the Youth Buddies program at no cost at preclassic.com/youthbuddies.
By Amos Amoako
