EUGENE, OREGON – The world’s elite track and field athletes are set to converge on historic Hayward Field at the University of Oregon in Eugene on Saturday, July 5th, for the 2025 Prefontaine Classic. This landmark event serves as the sole North American stop on the prestigious Diamond League circuit, promising a showcase of unparalleled talent and fierce competition just shy of a year after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Marking the ninth meet of the 2025 Diamond League season, the Prefontaine Classic holds special significance this year as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. This milestone underscores the meet’s enduring legacy and its position as a cornerstone event in global athletics, attracting the sport’s biggest stars to the “Track and Field Capital of the World.”
Star-Studded Roster Headlines Hayward Field
The 2025 edition is poised to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, boasting a provisional lineup that includes a remarkable 48 Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists. Adding to the anticipation, 25 champions from the Paris 2024 Games are expected to compete, offering fans a first look at how Olympic heroes fare in the post-Games circuit and against renewed challengers.
Premier Matchups Rekindle Olympic Battles
A highlight anticipated by fans is the women’s 100m race, set to feature a captivating Olympic podium rematch. Paris 2024 champion Julien Alfred of St Lucia is expected to line up against American stars Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. This confrontation promises a thrilling sprint showdown as these formidable athletes renew their rivalry on the fast Hayward Field track.
The Bowerman Mile, a signature event at the Prefontaine Classic, will also deliver an elite field featuring several top contenders from the Paris 2024 Olympic 1500m. The race is expected to include three of the top four finishers from that Olympic final, notably American champion Cole Hocker and bronze medallist Yared Nuguse. They are slated to compete against Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the reigning Diamond League record holder in the event, setting the stage for a potential record-breaking performance.
Depth Across Multiple Disciplines
Beyond the marquee sprints and middle-distance races, Olympic medallists are also confirmed to compete in a host of other key events. Spectators can look forward to world-class performances in the women’s 1500m, the grueling 3000m steeplechase, the technical long jump, and the tactical men’s 400m. These fields will showcase a global array of talent, further solidifying the meet’s status as a premier gathering of athletic excellence.
World Record Holders Add Non-League Excitement
The Prefontaine Classic frequently features high-profile events outside the core Diamond League disciplines, and the 2025 meet continues this tradition with appearances by two of the sport’s most dominant figures. Men’s pole vault world record holder Mondo Duplantis is expected to grace Hayward Field, potentially pushing the boundaries of his own global standard. Similarly, men’s discus throw world record holder Mykolas Alekna will compete, bringing his formidable power to the throwing circle. These non-Diamond League events provide additional layers of excitement and offer fans the chance to witness history in the making.
The Road Through Eugene in the 2025 Season
As the ninth stop on the 2025 Diamond League calendar, the Prefontaine Classic plays a crucial role in the season-long chase for points and qualification for the final. Athletes will be vying not only for victory and prize money but also for crucial standings as the season progresses towards its climax. Full schedule details for the day’s events are expected to be released closer to the meet date, providing a complete lineup of the competitions.
How to Watch the Action Live
For fans eager to follow the 50th-anniversary Prefontaine Classic, broadcast and streaming details for live coverage will be announced by event organizers and relevant media partners in the lead-up to July 5th. Information regarding television channels and online platforms providing live access to the athletics action from Hayward Field will be widely publicized.
With its rich history, its significant anniversary, and an entry list overflowing with Olympic champions and world record holders, the 2025 Prefontaine Classic is poised to be a monumental event in the track and field calendar, reaffirming Eugene’s reputation as a global athletics hub.
