byLarry Eder
It is a fitting evening to honor the late Geoff Hollister, who was a key player in the development the Prefontaine Classic. Geoff worked with the late Steve Prefontaine, in fact, took over much of his frenetic work upon Prefontaine’s death. Hollister is credited, along with Nelson Ferris, in keeping Nike’s history and protecting its corporate soul. Hollister was always one to fight to sponsor another grass roots event, from a cross country invitational to an up and coming young athlete. It was Hollister who reminded three generations of Nike employees that, yes, the first sales of BRS (and Nike) shoes were sold out of the back of beat up cars, in embalming fluid boxes, at road races and track meets on the West coast. Geoff died this past February, after a valiant fight with cancer. Nice to see Nike respecting his memory.
Besides the 10,000 meters, there will be a men’s discus, women’s triple jump and women’s hammer throw. Nike is sponsoring the night, so no tickets will be needed. Make sure you make it! (And don’t miss the Pre Classic the next day!)
KENYAN OLYMPIC TRIALS RACE TO BE HELD
AT THE PREFONTAINE CLASSIC
Eugene, Oregon–Athletics Kenya and the Prefontaine Classic
jointly announce that the Olympic Trials 10,000-meter race to select
Kenya’s men’s team to the London Olympic Games will be held in
conjunction with the Eugene Samsung Diamond League Prefontaine Classic
on Friday evening, June 1st.
The race will be a part of a special “Hollister Night at Hayward”, in honor of the late Geoff Hollister, a Nike
executive who was instrumental in the creation of many of Oregon’s most
notable track & field and running events, including the Prefontaine
Classic. Hollister Night will precede the main Eugene Samsung Diamond
League meet on Saturday, June 2nd.
“We are honored that Athletics Kenya has asked the Pre
Classic to host its men’s 10,000-meter selection race for the London
Olympics,” said meet director Tom Jordan. “That it will be part of
Hollister Night at Hayward makes it even more special.” Thanks to title
sponsor Nike, Inc., there will be no admission charge for the Friday evening program.
Olha Saladuha, 2011 Nike Prefontaine Classic, photo by PhotoRun.net
The race will feature the top 15 Kenyan athletes in the
event as identified by Athletics Kenya, the national governing body. The
race will be comprised exclusively of Kenyan athletes. As with the U.S.
Olympic Trials, no pacesetters will be provided, promising a race of
strategy and suspense over the 25 laps. The top 2 finishers will
automatically make the team to London, with the 3rd member being selected by the federation.
The decision by Athletics Kenya to move the race from
Nairobi where it is typically held was based on the fact that Eugene’s
altitude and weather conditions are similar to those the runners are
likely to encounter in London. At 1680 meters (5672 feet), Nairobi’s
altitude is vastly higher than London’s at sea-level (16 meters), while
Eugene at 116 meters is comparable to the Olympic host city.
The Olympic Trials race during Hollister Night at Hayward will be a fitting introduction to Saturday’s 38th annual Prefontaine Classic, the 4th
stop on the prestigious Samsung Diamond League circuit of the world’s
top track & field meets. Last year, the SDL Eugene meeting was rated
No. 1 in the world for quality of results by All-Athletics.com, the statistical partner of the Samsung Diamond League.
Tickets for the meet on Saturday, June 2nd are on sale at www.preclassic.com, www.goducks.com,
from 1-800-WEBFOOT, or in person at the Autzen Stadium ticket windows.
Saturday’s meet will be shown live on NBC starting at 3 p.m. Eastern
Time.
Robert Harting, 2011 Nike Prefontaine Classic, photo by PhotoRun.net
