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The Diamond League track and field final comes to Eugene this weekend

A view from inside Hayward Field in 2022, including the track, jumbotron and tower.
Karen Richards
/
KLCC
Last year's Prefontaine Classic was in May, and was one of the first 2022 Diamond League meets

This weekend, Eugene’s Hayward Field hosts the last meet of the professional track and field season.

TrackTown USA CEO Michael Reilly said there’s a reason the renowned international meet is in September this year.

The Prefontaine Classic will serve as the Wanda Diamond League final," he said. "It’s the end of the professional track and field season, it’s effectively the Super Bowl for professional track and field. Athletes earn points along the summer competing in different Diamond League events throughout the world.”

Reilly said it’s the first time the United States has hosted the capstone event. Diamond League series winners will take home prize money and a trophy.

Athletes to watch include UO standout Jorinde Van Klinken in the women’s discus, former Duck Jessica Hull in the 1500 meter run, and Portland-born shot put world record holder Ryan Crouser.

The meet starts at 11:00 on Saturday and 11:30 on Sunday. A free fan festival begins at 9:00 each day on Agate Street outside the venue, and continues for two hours after the meet.

Karen Richards joined KLCC as a volunteer reporter in 2012, and became a freelance reporter at the station in 2015. In addition to news reporting, she’s contributed to several feature series for the station, earning multiple awards for her reporting.