Maria de Lurdes Mutola of Mozambique wins gold in the women's 800m final (© Getty Images)
Hayward Field welcomes the return of the Road to Eugene 08 meet, an elite high performance invitational on Sunday 27 May in which some of the world’s best athletes will compete in 15 events for over $150,000 in prize money.
Athletes already confirmed are reigning global outdoor champions Tianna Madison (2005 World Long Jump) and Tim Mack (Olympic Pole Vault), and multiple World and Olympic champions Maria Mutola (800m) and Stacy Dragila (Pole Vault), as well as Olympic Pole Vault silver medallist Toby Stevenson.
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 women’s 5000m race on Saturday, 26 May, 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.
Kelly Cheeseman for the IAAF
