With the field as stacked as it is for the 50th edition of the Prefontaine Classic—dubbed Pre 50—it’s almost hard to label anyone an underdog. But even among world-class competitors, there are still athletes flying slightly under the radar. Here’s a look at a few names to keep your eye on.

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Jacory Patterson – Men’s 400m

Jacory Patterson captured the attention of the track world earlier this year with his incredible underdog story: unsigned, working at UPS, and still training at a world-class level. His 43.98 upset victory from lane 9 at the Miami Grand Slam was a breakout moment.

However, in a field that includes Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medalists—Quincy Hall, Matthew Hudson-Smith, and Muzala Samukonga—along with the in-form Christopher Bailey and former world and Olympic champion Kirani James, Patterson is still considered an underdog. That said, don’t be surprised if he disrupts the order again.

Christina Clemons – Women’s 100m Hurdles

Christina Clemons has always been a fierce competitor, and she's been running well this season. She recently clocked a wind-aided 12.49 at the ATX Sprint Classic and looked pleased with her performance—perhaps signaling that she's ready to make a statement at Pre 50.

She’ll be lining up against an impressive field: reigning Olympic champion and American record holder Masai Russell, former world record holder Keni Harrison, current world record holder Tobi Amusan, third-fastest ever Tia Jones, Jamaican national record holder Ackera Nugent, and reigning world champion Danielle Williams.

CJ Allen – Men’s 400m Hurdles

We’re still waiting for CJ Allen’s breakout moment this season. There's no question about his talent, but in a field of heavy hitters, he's an underdog.

Rai Benjamin, fresh off several strong Diamond League performances, is the favorite. Also in the race are Olympic medalist Alison dos Santos, Trevor Bassitt—who has been running consistently well—and NCAA champion Nathaniel Ezekiel, who clocked 47.49 in last month’s NCAA final. Allen has the tools—now it’s about putting it all together.

Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith – Women’s 100m

Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith enters one of the most competitive 100m fields of the season, lining up against stars like Sha’Carri Richardson, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Olympic champion Julien Alfred, Jamaican National champion Tina Clayton, and world medalist Dina Asher-Smith.

At 36, Ta Lou-Smith has been quietly consistent this season, but may not be top of mind for many track and field fans amid the spotlight on younger talent. A seasoned veteran with championship experience, she’s more than capable of shaking up this field. Pre 50 could be the perfect stage for her to remind the world exactly who she is.

Grant Fisher – Bowerman Mile

It’s rare to call Grant Fisher an underdog, but in this field—and over this distance—it’s a fair assessment. Known more for his prowess in the 5000m and 10,000m, the mile represents a quicker pace than he typically races.

He’ll face off against Olympic 1500m champion Cole Hocker, silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot, bronze medalist Yared Nuguse, and rising star Hobbs Kessler, among others. With so many middle-distance specialists in the mix, it will be fascinating to see what tactics Fisher uses—and how well he can hang in a race of this speed.

Even the underdogs at Pre 50 are world-class, and that’s what makes this meet so special. Don’t be surprised if one—or more—of these athletes delivers a career-defining performance.

Prefontaine Classic 2025 Event Schedule (ET)

• 1:00 PM - Men's Hammer Throw
• 1:50 PM - Men's Discus Throw
• 2:10 PM - Men's 10,000m
• 2:25 PM - Women's Hammer Throw
• 3:00 PM - Women's Para Athletics 100m Mixed Classification
• 3:07 PM - Men's Para Athletics 100m Mixed Classification
• 3:14 PM - Women's Para Athletics 800m T54
• 3:24 PM - Men's Para Athletics 200m T62/T64
• 3:27 PM - DL Women's Shot Put
• 3:30 PM - Men's Pole Vault
• 3:35 PM - Women's 100m Invite
• 3:38 PM - DL Women's Long Jump
• 3:44 PM - Women's 100m Hurdles
• 3:51 PM - Men's International Mile
• 4:04 PM - DL Men's 400m Hurdles
• 4:12 PM - DL Men's 100m
• 4:20 PM - DL Women's 5000m
• 4:43 PM - DL Men's 400m
• 4:46 PM - DL Women's Discus Throw
• 4:51 PM - Women's 400m
• 4:56 PM - DL Men's Shot Put
• 4:58 PM - DL Women's 1500m
• 5:09 PM - DL Women's 3000m Steeplechase
• 5:25 PM - DL Men's 200m
• 5:34 PM - DL Women's Mutola 800m
• 5:44 PM - DL Women's 100m
• 5:50 PM - DL Men's Bowerman Mile

How To Watch The 2025 Prefontaine Classic

The Prefontaine Classic will stream LIVE on Peacock and NBC. FloTrack fans can stream The Athlete's Lounge, Pre and Post Show from Eugene LIVE on FloTrack.

How to Live Stream 2025 Wanda Diamond League Pre & Post Show: Eugene (USA):

STREAMING: Watch the 2025 Wanda Diamond League Pre & Post Show: Eugene (USA) on FloTrack. SIGN UP HERE.

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On The Go: Download the FloSports app on iOS or Android.

FloTrack Archived Footage

Video footage from the event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloTrack subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscription.

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