Why Is Eugene Diamond League Named Prefontaine Classic? Uncovering Mystery About Steve Prefontaine

The annual Prefontaine Classic, scheduled for May 25 this year, consistently draws the world’s best athletes and has a reputation for record-breaking performances. But did you know that the Prefontaine Classic, one of the 12 Grand Prix series meets was previously known as the Eugene Diamond League? This was done in memory of Steve Prefontaine, an American track and field icon, who passed away tragically in the spring of 1975.

From the start of the American running boom up until the establishment of Nike, Prefontaine contributed to the development of a long-standing legacy in distance running. Before the 51st running of the Classic kicks off at Hayward Field in Eugene tomorrow, here is everything you need to know about the sprint sensation from Oregon.

Who is Steve Prefontaine, after whom the Eugene Diamond League is named?

Track community called him “Pre,” a local boy from a working-class household in the neighboring town of Coos Bay, Oregon. Steve Prefontaine held every American record for distance running, from 2,000—10,000 meters, and set eight records while racing for the Oregon Ducks. “Pre’s Rock” is akin to a pilgrimage site, the place where Prefontaine died in 1975.

At that time, he was preparing for the 1976 Montreal Olympics. The Prefontaine Classic, an annual track and field event conducted at the University of Oregon, and a network of running trails in Eugene bear Prefontaine’s name reported Oregon Encyclopedia. The Prefontaine Classic originated in 1973 as a fundraising event and was renamed the summer after Pre’s demise.

As the face of the sport, Prefontaine planned a five-city tour for a group of Finnish athletes in the spring of 1975. Shortly before his death, in the NCAA preparation meet at Hayward Field, he won the 5K in 13 minutes, 23.8 seconds. Prefontaine drove his orange MGB convertible to a party after the victory. Following his friends’ drop-off, Prefontaine drove toward Skyline Boulevard, when his vehicle struck a boulder and overturned.

Before the car could be moved, he passed away. In the latter part of 1969, Prefontaine joined the Ducks at the University of Oregon and was coached by Bill Bowerman. During his collegiate years, he was featured in Sports Illustrated on June 15, 1970, and Track and Field News on November 1969 which gained him national recognition. Unfortunately, Prefontaine only participated in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.

In the 5000m event, he briefly had the lead before the final 200 meters. He was a fierce competitor who ran every event with all his might. Prefontaine was the first collegiate athlete to sign a $5,000 contract with Nike in 1974. Here are a few little-known but interesting facts about the American long-distance pioneer!

Few lesser known facts about the track and field icon

• Three movies have been made about Prefontaine: The 1995 documentary-“Prefontaine: Fire on the Track“; “Prefontaine,” a 1997 motion picture; and “Without Limits” a 1998 motion picture.
• Prefontaine publicly voiced his frustration with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), citing its prohibition on sponsorships and monetary performances of collegiate athletes. (now known as NIL) He openly criticized the AAU for making money off of events while not paying the athletes.
• His first notoriety in the distance running community came during his time at Marshfield High School.
• Prefontaine ran a personal best in the mile at the debut “Hayward Field Restoration Meet” in 1973, but didn’t make it to the podium.
• He was a double inductee in the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and the National Track & Field Hall of Fame.