“This amazing facility is the culmination of efforts and generosity on the parts of many individuals who without their passion, persistence, and belief, this model for academic excellence would not have been possible,” said Mike Bellotti, UO athletic director. “The John E. Jaqua Center Academic Center for Student-Athletes will not only allow this University to comply with the minimum standards required for academic support by the NCAA but help raise the bar to unparalleled heights in an area of supreme importance.”

Track and field takes over Eugene each year starting with the Prefontaine Classic at historic Hayward Field each May. In 2016, however, Eugene also hosts the NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships and the 2016 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.
The Pre Classic was the highest-rated meet in 2015 in the prestigious Diamond League – an international series that draws the world’s top athletes and global media coverage.
Thousands of fans pack Hayward Field’s stands in the Friday night portion of the meet, in what has quickly become a highly anticipated part of the event in only a few years.
Prior to the evening session on May 27, the ten men who ran sub-four minute miles under legendary University of Oregon track and field coach Bill Bowerman will be honored at the Sub 4 Reunion & Reception a few blocks away from Hayward Field, at the John E. Jaqua Center for Student Athletes.
The reunion starts at 5:30 p.m. and includes a moderated discussion and question-and-answer period with the sub-four minute milers and what it was like to run under the direction of Bill Bowerman, who is also known as the father of the jogging movement in the U.S. The event will conclude prior to Friday’s featured races at the Pre Classic, at which point the attendees will walk to Hayward Field to watch the remainder of the meet.
More than 13,000 fans are expected Saturday at the Pre Classic, and nearly that many have attended Friday’s events.
The Sub 4 Reunion & Reception will also serve as a fundraiser for the Oregon Track Club, which puts on the Prefontaine Classic and supports the local running community with grants to youth-oriented programs in the area, a monthly run/walk series along with other programs. 

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Who We Are

​THE OREGON TRACK CLUB

For over five decades, the Oregon Track Club (OTC) has been a major player in helping build the TrackTown USA brand.  The organization is volunteer-based and governed by an elected Board of Directors.  The Club’s impact is wide-ranging: from fitness to community service, to youth activities to track & field to road racing. 

The Oregon Track Club proudly hosts the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League Meet, the historic Butte to Butte road race, the Hayward Classic Meet (an OTC Masters’ event), the popular All Comers' meets and is a sponsor of the Eugene Marathon.  OTC also provides support and officials for the University of Oregon Track and Field program and other meets held at Hayward Field. 

Each year the Club funds several thousand dollars in Grassroots Grants throughout the community, and is a steward of the renowned Steve Prefontaine Memorial Trail. 

The Oregon Track Club Athletics Team program offers members the opportunity to compete while representing the Club. Open and Masters level members can join the program.

The Club has been an integral partner with TrackTown USA and the U.S. Olympic Committee to bring the U.S. Olympic Trials – Track & Field to Eugene five times in 40 years with a sixth announced for 2016.  The Oregon Track Club’s programs and activities are open to everyone!