Last week I had a work trip that sent me up to Eugene in Oregon. Going into this trip I knew Eugene was the home of University of Oregon but did not put that all together with the rich running history of Eugene!
Eugene is the birthplace of Nike for one. Bill Bowerman coached at Univ or Oregon and led the track team at Hayward Field. Running Legend Steve Prefontaine was a member of that track team and helped the sport boost its popularity in the mid 70's.
The town was awesome. Its known as "Track Town, USA" and is a mecca for track and field athletes. I really enjoyed the abundance of running trails leading for miles along the banks of the beautiful Willamette River and through nearby parks.
Starting June 27 Eugene will be all over the sports pages as it hosts the USA Olympic Trials for Track and Field 2008.
I hope to get another chance in the future to attend either the Olympic Trials in 2012 or at least the Prefontaine Classic which happens annually. It was a spectacular setting to visit and a thrill to run through.
Definately a site anyone who enjoys the sport needs to visit!!

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