TrackTown Welcome to TrackTown! Eugene is the heart and home of track and field, and Hayward Field on the University of Oregon’s campus is hallowed ground for athletes and fans. On the tower, look for the silhouette of Bill Bowerman — University of Oregon’s track and field coach between 1948 and 1972, famed inventor of the wafflesole shoe and co-founder of Nike. Visitors can explore Hayward Hall, an interactive exhibit spotlighting the area’s contributions to the sport, including Steve “Pre” Prefontaine, the legendary distance runner who broke 14 American records during his short career. The Prefontaine Classic, where elite athletes from across the globe compete in an electric atmosphere that honors Pre’s fierce competitive spirit, celebrated its 50th edition in 2025. Eugene will once again welcome the world when the World Athletics U20 Championships Oregon 26 take place in August. Oregon previously hosted the World Athletics Championships in 2022 and the World U20 Championships in 2014. RUN LIKE A LOCAL Eugene’s Iconic Road Races For those who enjoy a little friendly competition, check out the Oregon Track Club’s All Comers Meets. These fun, all-ages events have been offered each summer since the mid-1950s and invite competitors of all abilities and paces. The OTC Butte to Butte is a fun and popular road race between the city’s two iconic buttes, Skinner and Spencer, held every Fourth of July. Ready for a challenge? Sign up for the Eugene Marathon, which takes place every year in April, where runners cross the finish line on Hayward Field; or take on a half marathon, 5K or 10K at the Run to Stay Warm in November. 2026 EVENTS IN TRACKTOWN April 3-4 Oregon Relays April 17-18 Oregon Team Invitational April 24-26 Eugene Marathon May 8 Oregon Twilight May 28-30 OSAA State High School Championships June 10-13 NCAA D1 Outdoor Championships June 18-21 Nike Outdoor Nationals July 3-4 Prefontaine Classic - Diamond League July 4 Oregon Track Club Butte to Butte August 5-9 World Athletics U20 Championships Oregon 26 LOCAL RUNNING TRAILS Another way to experience TrackTown is to take to the trails. A good place to start is Pre’s Trail, a 4-mile (6.4-km) bark path loop that is located in Alton Baker Park and passes through meadows and woodlands and along waterways. Trail runners love the North Amazon Running Trail, which connects with the South Amazon Running Trail to create a 5.5-mile (8.9-km) jogging path. The paved 14-mile (22.5-km) Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System is an ideal way to mix fresh air with stellar riverfront views along a route between Eugene and Springfield. Or check out the 12-mile (19.3-km) Ridgeline Trail System in South Eugene, which offers 12 trailheads and incredible valley views from the top of Spencer Butte. A COMMUNITY OF RUNNERS If you prefer community, there’s no reason to run solo in Eugene — local running shops can connect you to community runs and events all year long. Both Run Hub Northwest and Eugene Running Company offer much more than just quality shoes and gear. Friendly, knowledgeable staff are on hand to share some of their favorite trails and invite you to join the shops’ running groups. Top Things to See in TrackTown Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center | 550 Pearl St, Eugene 8 FROM LEFT: MELANIE GRIFFIN; AHM BRANDS 2025 Prefontaine Classic
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