2025 Wanda Diamond League: Prefontaine Classic (USA)

Steve Prefontaine: Three Things To Know About The Legendary Runner

Steve Prefontaine was one of greatest runners of generations and the name sake of the Prefontaine Classic. What to know.

Jul 4, 2025 by Lindsey Plotkin

Steve Prefontaine: Three Things To Know About The Legendary Runner

In 1975, Steve Prefontaine was set to be the next great track star, having already set several world records. But, he tragically died in a car accident at just 24 years old. Now, he is honored by being the namesake of the Prefontaine Classic, one of the most well-known track and field events in the United States that's hosted his alma mater, the University of Oregon.

The 2025 Prefontaine classic is on July 5, and here's three things to know about Steve Prefontaine.

The Steve Prefontaine Was The First Nike Athlete

When Nike was founded in 1971, Steve Prefontaine was at the height of this career. In 1973, he became the first athlete signed by Nike to wear their signature shoe, the Swoosh. Attending Oregon, Prefontaine had unique exposure to the brand, even when it was Blue Ribbon Sports. Phil Knight, the company's founder also attended the University of Oregon, making Prefontaine the perfect candidate to be Knight's first signature athlete.

A Record Breaker At Every Level

Every level Steve Prefontaine ran at, he broke records. He's said to have ran like he was dying every time he competed, leaving his all on the track every time he ran. At the time of his death, he held every American record from 2,000 meters to 10,000 meters.

Pre's Personal Bests

1500 – 3:38.1 (1973)

Mile – 3:54.6 (1973)

2000 – 5:01.4 (1975)

2 miles – 8:18.29 (1974)

5000 – 13:21.87 (1974)

10000 – 27:43.6 (1974)

A Loyal Duck

Prefontaine grew up in the Eugene area, in the town of Coos Bay. He ran for the University of Oregon and then continued to train at Hayward Field with the Oregon Track Club until his death. After college, he lived in Eugene, becoming friends with Phil Knight and several other Blue Ribbon Sports founders.

He was heavily involved in local events, and spoke at a banquet about the impact cross country had on his life. He won almost every race he competed in, only knowing full speed. As a Duck, he won seven national titles, four in track, three in cross country, setting several records along the way.

Now, the Diamond League Track event held in Eugene is named in his honor, the Prefontaine Classic.

Don't Miss A Second Of The 2025 Diamond League

This year, the Diamond League is streaming live on FloTrack and the FloSports app, and FloTrack is giving fans more Diamond League access than ever before. For the first time ever, the Diamond League is streaming to fans all the feeds, not just the traditional world feed.

Fans will have uninterrupted coverage for every throw, leap and run during the meets as well as the traditional broadcast.

Where To Watch Diamond League?

The Wanda Diamond League will be broadcast on FloTrack and the FloSports app starting with the 2025 season.

FloTrack Is The Streaming Home For Many Track And Field Meets Each Year

Don’t miss all the track and field season action streaming on FloTrack. Check out the FloTrack schedule for more events.

FloTrack Archived Footage

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

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