June 25, 2010

For Immediate Release

MAJOR MATCH-UPS IN PRE CLASSIC MIDDLE DISTANCES

            Eugene, Oregon—For fans of head-to-head competition and fast times, the women’s 800  and men’s 1000 meters at the Prefontaine Classic on July 3^rd aim to please.        

            In the Diamond League 800 meters, it’s a clash of gold medalists, with Beijing Olympic gold medalist Pamela Jelimo racing against Osaka World Championships gold medalist Janeth Jepkosgei and Berlin World Championships 1500 gold medalist Maryam Jamal. Add in Americans Anna Pierce, ranked No. 2 in the world at 800 meters last year by Track & Field News magazine, and surprise 2009 Pre Classic champion Maggie Vessey, ranked No. 6 in the world, and you have the makings of a great race.  Add in world No. 3 ranked Jenny Meadows of Great Britain and No. 4 ranked Mariya Savinova of Russia , and you have the makings of an epic contest.

            The men’s 1000 meters figures to be a battle between hometown hero Nick Symmonds, ranked No. 10 in the world, versus Abubaker Kaki of Sudan, ranked No. 5 in the world, versus previous Pre Classic champion Alfred Yego of Kenya, who was ranked No. 3 in the world last year by T&FN. Kaki has asked for a very fast pace (1:45 at 800 meters), and the best time ever recorded on American soil—2:15.97—is in serious jeopardy.

            Tickets to the NIKE Prefontaine Classic are still available at preclassic.com or by calling 1-800-WEBFOOT.

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