The 2026 Prefontaine Classic is shaping up to be one of the most stacked track and field meets in recent memory. On Saturday, July 4, six world record holders will take the track at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
The headline addition to the start list comes after a historic performance at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Auburn University junior Ja’Kobe Tharp ran 12.75 in the prelims of the Men’s 110m Hurdles — a new world record. The run took place at Hayward Field, the same venue where the Prefontaine Classic will be held.
Tharp will share the start list with Women’s 100m Hurdles world record holder Tobi Amusan. The Nigerian sprinter ran 12.12 at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, a performance that also happened at Hayward Field. The two hurdlers bring a combined two world records to the meet.
Four more world record holders round out what is already a remarkable entry list for July 4:
- Mykolas Alekna — Men’s Discus
- Ryan Crouser — Men’s Shot Put
- Faith Kipyegon — Women’s Mile
- Anita Włodarczyk — Women’s Hammer Throw
Crouser has long been the standard in the shot put, while Kipyegon has dominated middle-distance running on the world stage. Alekna and Włodarczyk bring the same level of dominance to the throwing events.
With six world record holders confirmed for a single meet, the 2026 Prefontaine Classic offers fans a rare opportunity to watch the best track and field athletes in the world compete on the same day and on the same track.
Fewer than 500 reserved seats are still available for the July 4 meet at Hayward Field. Tickets can be secured through the official Prefontaine Classic website.
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