The track and field fans around the world wait for the Prefontaine Classics with bated breath. This year, the tournament will take place on September 16-17. The meet will once again be held at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon, which has been the iconic venue since the meet’s inception in 1975. The success of the Prefontaine Classics is thanks to the support of a sports shoewear brand that has been a long-standing sponsor of the event.

Nike emerged in the year 1950 after a chance meeting between a young runner and a track coach. The company’s goal was to design shoes that could outperform German brand Adidas in its performance. Naturally, when the opportunity arose to support the Pre Classic in 1978, the company did not back down. Even in 2023, the $368,000,000,00 worth brand supports some of the biggest track and field stars including Sha’Carri Richardson. Before the Pre Classic begins later this month, Nike took everyone down memory lane with a unique memorial.

Nike unveils memorial to honor the track and field greats

The Pre Classic began officially in 1973 with the name Hayward Restoration Meet. The event was meant to raise the necessary funds for the repair work of the Hayward Field Grandstands. However, both Bill Bowerman and the Oregon Track Club did not expect 12,000 track and field fans to turn up to support the cause. They were there to see Steve Prefontaine and David Wottle try to shatter the mile world record. Wottle defeated Steve Prefontaine and posted the second-fastest mile ever finished by an American. The following year, the meet once again established itself as a prominent track and field event by virtue of Rick Wohlhuter’s record-breaking sprint. According to Pre Classic.com, he ran the 880-meter distance in 1:44.1, setting a world record. Steve Prefontaine also defeated Frank Shorter in an iconic three-mile race, where he set the American record for the distance.

The support from the fans helped the renovation of the grandstands to be completed before schedule in 1975. As the meet attracted the top sprinting talents, it was made a permanent track and field event in the Oregon track season. The organizers had initially decided to call the meet the Bowerman Classic, but on June 1st, the board decided to rename it. Bill Bowerman explained the reason for calling the Prefontaine Classic, saying, “Our Oregon Track Club Board concurs that in living memorial to Pre – his inspiration, his ambition – the meet he did so much to make successful should bear his name”. That year, Jamaica’s Don Quarrie shattered the 220-yard world record in 19.9 seconds. Since then, the Prefontaine Classic has only ever risen in the fans’ estimate as the most cherished track and field competition.

Prefontaine Classic’s meteoric rise in fame

The Prefontaine Classic has attracted athletes from all over the world over the years. It has become a surefire path for many track and field athletes to achieve eternal glory. Tom Jordan, the meet’s director, has estimated that more than 150 countries have sent their sprinters to the Prefontaine Classic. Some of the sport’s best performances have occurred during the meet, including Maria Mutola’s 16 consecutive victories.

Read More: Wake-Up Call for Sha’Carri Richardson as Powerful Elaine Thompson-Herah Clocks a Perfect 10.92 Run at Gala Dei Castelli 2023

The most special event of the Prefontaine Classic is the Mile races. Only this meet can boast a sub-4:00 finish in the mile event. Nike has dedicated itself to creating shoes for athletes to support their ambitions.

Watch this story: Sticking with Sha’Carri Richardson During Her Dark Times in 2021, Nike’s Swoosh Carries American Athlete Across Finishing Line in Budapest