By Jake Willard
In its final year in the current Hayward Field, the Prefontaine Classic kicked off Friday with packed stands and strong performances from young up-and-coming talent.
An estimated 7,500 fans attended the free portion of the meet to take in the races and one of the last opportunities to experience the track, which will be demolished after this season to make room for the new Hayward Field.
Day two begins at 12:40 p.m. Saturday, but here is a rundown of the events and results from Friday.
Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega, 18, got an upset win in the men’s 2 mile, with Henrik Ingebrigtsen setting the Norwegian national record, which you can read about in this story from Jake Willard. Rio Olympic silver medalist Paul Chelimo, who had been vocal about going after the American record prior to the race, did not want to be the “sacrificial lamb” and finished second in 8 minutes, 20.91 seconds. Chiann Nobrega had the story.
American Sam Kendricks stopped mid-competition to help a meet official who had a scare with a javelin, then immediately went on to clear the winning bar in the men’s pole vault. Nate Mann caught the story.World record holder Renaud Lavillenie struggled to overcome the wind, only clearing one bar and finishing fifth, writes Katie Hansen.
In his first year as a professional, UTEP graduate Emmanuel Kipkurui Korir fought through a stumble to take the victory in the 800 meters, which brought back memories from the NCAAs, as explained in this story from Brenten Kelly.
Collegian Dani Jones of Colorado is redshirting this season, but she came to Prefontaine Classic to defeat professional women in the 1500 meters, as Julia Lobaina writes. With much jostling for position late in the race, Emily Lipari got taken out of the race by a fall. Allan Johnstone talked to her after the race.
The Hayward Field and meet record went down five times in the Diamond League men’s javelin, with German Thomas Rohler coming out on top. Collin Catman covered the event.
Jamaica’s Natoya Goule spread the pack out in route to her victory in the women’s national 800 meters, and Edward Burnette got the story. Making a return to Hayward Field, former Duck Laura Roesler is finally healthy and finished fifth, and Mark Wang talked to Roesler.
Here are a few previews for Saturday, too:
Even with a surprise withdrawal from Olympian Allyson Felix, the women’s 400 meters will still be a showstopper, writes Melissa Ingabire. And the men’s 200 meters will feature Noah Lyle, who talked about his smooth transition from high schooler to professional in this piece by Chiann Nobrega.
And looking ahead to the Prefontaine Classic’s signature event, the Bowerman Mile, August Howell talks about how the distance is not being run as much internationally anymore, but its cultural importance in the sport keeps it prestigious.
Two-time Olympic medalist Mutaz Essa Barshim hopes to take home another bar on Saturday. Literally. Read more from Alex Castle.
American record holder and Olympic and world medalist Evan Jager will be implementing a new strategy in his quest to break 8 minutes in the steeplechase. Jake Willard breaks down the race plan.
The women’s 100-meter dash will be a world championship rematch between Elaine Thompson, Dafne Schippers, Marie-Josee Ta Lou and Tori Bowie. Bryce Dole breaks down the race.
