The NIKE Prefontaine Classic will be held July 3-4, 2026. The Pre Classic began as the Hayward Restoration Meet in 1973 and was renamed the Prefontaine Classic in 1975, right after the death of the colorful and charismatic sports star, Steve Prefontaine.
At the time of his death, Steve Prefontaine held American records at 2,000m, 3,000m, 5,000m, and 10,000m, as well as 2 miles (indoors), 3 miles, and 6 miles. His mile race against the 1972 Olympic gold medalist Dave Wottle was epic.
The 51st Prefontaine Classic will be an exciting meet to watch, either on-site (100 tickets left) or via Peacock and NBC (if you are U.S.-based).
Here;s the previews, event-by-event, from EME News: \
Kipyegon, women’s 100m and much more
EUGENE (USA): Excellent performances are expected at the 51st Prefontaine Classic Wanda Diamond League on Independence Day. Faith Kipyegon is running her first mile of the season, while several elite athletes are making their DL season debuts, including Tara Davis-Woodhall, Cole Hocker, Mykolas Alekna and fresh WR holder Ja’Kobe Tharp. High-class clashes are featured in the women’s 100m and steeplechase, as well as in the Bowerman Mile, men’s discus, and both shot put competitions. Masai Russell takes on Tobi Amusan in the 100m hurdles. Olympic champions Keely Hodgkinson and Letsile Tebogo lead their respective disciplines. The main session at the iconic Hayward Field begins at 1:00 pm local time (8:00 pm GMT).
Short event by event previews
Women
100m: Many participants are divided into heats that will precede the final, with the expected duel between Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Shericka Jackson and Sha’Carri Richardson; also to watch: the Clayton twins, Amy Hunt and Adaejah Hodge.
Mutola 800m: Keely Hodgkinson in her first 800m since being defeated by Audrey Werro in Stockholm a month ago. World champion Lilian Odira, Prudence Sekgodiso, Addison Wiley and fresh French NR holder Anais Bourgoin waiting behind.
Mile: First 1500m/mile of the season for Faith Kipyegon, against Georgia Hunter Bell, Jessica Hull, Nikki Hiltz and Birke Haylom.
2 miles: Ethiopians led by Aleshign Baweke and Hirut Meshesha; Shelby Houlihan leads US contingent.
3000m steeplechase: Another clash of the ‘Big three’, Peruth Chemutai against Faith Cherotich and Winfred Yavi.
100m hurdles: Masai Russell against the improving Tobi Amusan. WR under threat.
Miramar, Florida, USA
May 2-4, 2025, photo by Kevin Morris
Long jump: Tara Davis-Woodhall in her DL season debut, challenged by Europeans Malaika Mihambo, Larissa Iapichino and Hillary Kpatcha.
Shot put: Jessica Schilder and Chase Jackson lead the field of top 9 ranked throwers.
Hammer (non-DL): Camryn Rogers to avenge her defeat in LA to DeAnna Price and Rachel Richeson three weeks ago; Polish legend Anita Wlodarczyk also competes.
Men
100m (non-DL): Oblique Seville against a field with Kenny Bednarek and collegiate champion Kayinsola Ajayi.
200m: Letsile Tebogo to confirm his improving form, Bryan Levell, Zharnel Hughes, fresh PanAm champion José Figueroa and high-schooler Tate Taylor to watch.
400m: Collen Kebinatshipi chased by top Americans including Jacory Patterson and Khaleb McRae, also Michael Norman and Rai Benjamin in his second race of the season.
Bowerman Mile: One of the highlights, with in-shape Yared Nuguse, Cam Myers, Niels Laros and Azzedine Habz, also Cole Hocker opening his DL season.
110m hurdles: World record holder Ja’Kobe Tharp in his pro and DL season debut against Cordell Tinch and DL leader Jamal Britt.
Shot put: Joe Kovacs, Leonardo Fabbri and Rajindra Campbell lead a strong field, with only Ryan Crouser missing from the top 10.
Discus: Mykolas Alekna in his DL season debut in a competition with the top 6 of the world rankings, Olympic winner Roje Stona, World champion Daniel Stahl, and European champion Kristjan Ceh also competing.
