World Championships are years in the making. The final months go by quickly, and the days of the championships just do not have enough hours in the day.
Tracktown USA, USATF, and World Athletics (and sponsors such as ASICS) have worked very hard to keep this event well-run and safe for the future of our sport.
Last night, Peanut Harms, long-time friend, RunBlogRun correspondent, and team manager at OOFOS, sent me an 11-second video showing smoky air and noting an AQI of 166.
The AQI in Eugene, early in evening on August 5, 2026, was 166. The video is from August 5. On August 6, AQI is 170 to 185 plus. Air is rated as unhealthy. Hoping for response from medical team at #WAU20 champs pic.twitter.com/RLRvmplY4A
— RunBlogRun (@RunBlogRun) August 6, 2026
Air Quality Index is something we have dealt with for years in sport. I seem to recall Beijing 2008 with AQI over 300 in the 2008 Olympics. I also recall an AQI of 422 in San Jose, California in 2021 in the summer, due to forest fires.
This can not be planned for, but there must be a reaction. We asked Maggie Durand, head of Communications at World Athletics, for a statement and how they were reacting to the AQI, which is noted as Unhealthy.
This is what Ms. Durand sent:
“Hi Larry — sorry for the delay — I am on my own here in Eugene for comms, so I am a bit busier than usual!
World Athletics is closely monitoring the air quality situation in Eugene, which is being impacted due to forest fires in the region.
We are assessing the situation using air quality sensors both in-stadium and in the surrounding areas and have been monitoring recommendations by local health authorities to ensure the competition is safe to continue.
We are also taking proactive measures such as minimizing time outside and encouraging the use of face masks, which we have also made available at the stadium for teams, members of the workforce and fans.
We will continue to monitor the situation, and any decision regarding competition will be made prioritizing the health of our athletes and stakeholders.
Kind regards,
Maggie”
I am still concerned about the AQI and how it will affect young athletes. I also see that WA is making an effort to ensure the safety of athletes. We will stay focused on this story and will keep you updated. It must be a nightmare for Tracktown USA and World Athletics. The concern has to be for the athletes, staff, fans, and volunteers at Hayward Field.
We suggest masks, staying out of the smoke as much as possible, and hydrating. Please go to AirNow.Gov for immediate AQI around the U.S.!
We are very concerned and suggest real caution, as AQI this high is quite dangerous, even to healthy people!
Please note AQI is 209, currently in Eugene, Oregon. Check out @worldathletics response to our question on AQI. pic.twitter.com/z0pnxzbQF8
— RunBlogRun (@RunBlogRun) August 6, 2026
