Eugene is in the running to host the World Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2019. If it's selected, this would be the first time it's been has been held in the U.S. since the event began in 1983.
Eugene is competing with Barcelona, Spain, and Doha, Qatar for the chance to host the World Championships. The World Junior Track and Field Championships were held at Eugene's Hayward Field this summer. And the US Olympic Track and Field Trials were at Hayward in 2008 and 2012. Kari Westlund is with Travel Lane County.
Westlund: "If you'll recall in 2006, people didn’t think we could host the Olympic Trials. And we all worked together and it was a remarkable event. So we think we can create a world class atmosphere for this event."
The International Association of Athletic Federations council will make a decision November 18 in Monaco.
USA Track and Field submitted the bid along with TrackTown USA, the local organizing committee. The world championships are held every two years. Beijing will host in 2015 and London in 2017.