“Road to Eugene 08″ track meet set for this Sunday, May 27th at Hayward Field
Posted May 23rd, 2007 at 5:56 PM by Courtney Albon
Section: News & Results, Track & Field
The second annual Road to Eugene 08 track meet, featuring a competitive field of prominent track and field athletes, will take place this weekend, on Sunday, May 27th at Hayward Field. Elite athletes from 15 different track and field events will compete for cash prizes that total more than $150,000. The following is a quick rundown of some of the notable favorites set to race this this weekend amidst the iconic settings of Eugene:
Sanya Richards, the 21 year old, 400 meter specialist from the University of Texas. Richards has quickly developed into one of America’s best, young sprinters; lighting up the track and burning the competition on a regular basis. Last year, she went undefeated in outdoor 400m races, set the five fastest times in the world, and broke the American record with her time of 48.70 seconds at the IAAF World Cup in Athens. Her mark at the World Cup is also the seventh best on the the all-time, world list.
Nick Symmonds, the reigning 800m USA Indoor Champion, will attempt to capitalize on the momentum from his early-May win at the Osaka Grand Prix in Japan. Symmonds will also return to Eugene on June 10th to take on a very talented field at the Prefontaine Classic.
Maria Mutola, a five-time Olympian will be running the 800 meters. Mutola’s competitors include Top-ranked American Hazel Clark, Diane Cummins, Alice Schmidt and Marion Burnett.
Tim Mack and Toby Stevenson are among the male pole vaulters. The two competed in the ’04 Olympics with Mack earning the gold and Stevenson the silver medal. They will be joined by ‘06 world indoor champion Brad Walker.
Hayward Field, lovingly referred to as “Track Town, USA”, has hosted three consecutive U.S. Olympic trials and is known as one of the most beloved and historic track venues in the world. This Sunday’s meet it’s last before undergoing renovations, including the installation of new, eco-friendly lighting fixtures, in preparation for the 2008 Olympic trials.
The meet will be hosted by the Eugene Local Organizing Committee with sponsors including Nike, Eugene 08, and the University of Oregon and will benefit the Professional Athletics Association, a resource that offers support to professional track and field athletes.
Last year’s meet drew a crowd of nearly 5,600, and organizers are once again expecting a large turnout.
Vin Lananna, Associate Athletic Director at the University of Oregon, explained:
“The athletes return to Hayward Field again and again because of our fans—they feel inspired, they feel welcomed, and they know that nothing compares to the experience of competing in Track Town, USA”
For more information and/or to purchase tickets please visit: www.goducks.com
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Tags: 2008 olympic trials, Eugene, hayward field, Maria Mutola, Nick Symmonds, Olympic Trials, oregon, oregon ducks, Prefontaine Classic, Road to Eugene 08, sanya richards, Tim Mack, Toby Stevenson, track town usa, university of oregon
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