(5-3-07) From Press Release - Eugene, OR - Hayward Field welcomes the return of the Road to Eugene 08 meet, an elite high performance invitational, on Sunday, May 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Some of the world's best athletes will compete in 15 events for over $150,000 in prize money. Athletes already confirmed include:
Maria Mutola 800 meters, Olympic gold medalist, 12 time world champion
Tianna Madison long jump, reigning World Champion
Tim Mack pole vault, Olympic gold medalist
Toby Stevenson pole vault, Olympic silver medalist
Stacy Dragila pole vault, Olympic gold medalist
Nick Symmonds 800m Oregon Track Club
The meet will also feature innovative ways to bring the fans and athletes closer together, including special opportunities for youth to connect with their track and field heroes. Young athletes will have the chance to race in front of thousands of fans at Hayward Field in the Kids' Half-Lapper during the meet and practice their skills at the KidZone sponsored by City of Eugene Recreation, River Road Park and Recreation, and KidSports.
Additionally, there will be a men's and a women¹s 5,000 meter race on Saturday, May 26, paced to allow athletes to chase the IAAF "A" standard for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Hosted by the Eugene Local Organizing Committee for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Track & Field (Eugene 08), the meet is a part of the committee's focus to advance the sport of track and field in the United States. The meet will benefit the Professional Athletics Association (PAA), which was established to provide organized support for track and field athletes.
"We had a great crowd last year and anticipate that our community will again show its love of the sport and excitement for the Olympic Trials by filling the stands," said Vin Lananna, Associate Athletic Director at the University of Oregon. "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."
Last year, more than 5,600 spectators watched Olympic medalists, world champions, and American record holders running, jumping, and throwing, a preview of the drama and excitement that will fill Hayward Field during the Olympic Trials, to be held June 27 through July 6, 2008.
NIKE, Inc., and Eugene 08 are sponsoring the meet with the assistance of the PAA, USA Track & Field and its Athletes Advisory and High Performances Committees, the University of Oregon, and the Oregon Track Club.
Tickets are $15 for reserved seating/$10 for general admission and will be available beginning May 4 at GoDucks.com or 1-800-WEBFOOT.
