There’s a lot happening this weekend in the world of racing. The 50th edition of the Prefontaine Classic kicks off at Silverstone, alongside the British Grand Prix in Formula 1 and events at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Named after the iconic American long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine, the Prefontaine Classic stands out as the only American event on the Diamond League circuit and has become a staple on the global athletics calendar.
If you enjoyed the track and field at last year’s Olympics, you’re in for a treat. A staggering 60 Olympic and Paralympic medalists from the upcoming Paris Games are set to compete. This edition features five rematches among podium finishers. It looks like the women’s 100m hurdles will be a highlight, though, puzzlingly, it won’t air in the two-hour TV slot. Here are some key storylines and athletes to keep an eye on this Saturday.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone tests herself in 400 meters
McLaughlin-Levrone is undeniably a standout in the female 400m hurdles, but what’s more exciting is her versatility. She ranks among the twelve fastest flat 400m runners of all time, and she even managed to outpace Olympic champion Gabby Thomas in last year’s 200m. At just 25, she had a double run in the 200m and 400m at the Grand Slam track in Los Angeles before that event was canceled.
The competition will be fierce, with Dominican Olympic champion Malay Lady Paulino and Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Nana standing as the top two 400m runners. Meanwhile, Ireland’s Rashidat Adeleke, along with American talent Alexis Holmes and NCAA champion Aliya Butler, adds depth to the field. McLaughlin-Levrone will be aiming to shave just 0.05 seconds off her best time to break Sanya Richards-Ross’s American record of 48.70 seconds, which has stood for 19 years.
Paris podium will be rematched in the women’s 100m
This matchup marks the trio’s first face-off since the Paris Games. Julian Alfred, who won gold for St. Lucia, made history by becoming the Caribbean’s first Olympic medalist. Sha’carri Richardson, who took silver, came back strong as part of the U.S. 4x100m relay team that snagged gold. Another athlete to watch is Melissa Jefferson Woden, who clocked an impressive 10.73 seconds in 2025, placing her among the top ten fastest women ever.
Richardson may be the most talked-about name, but her only race this year was a disappointing fourth place in Tokyo. Right now, the favorites seem to be Alfred and Woden, but Richardson, if she finds her rhythm, could certainly shake things up. Look out for Dina Asher-Smith, who trains with Alfred in the UK, and Jamaica’s Tina Clayton, both potential dark horses in this event.
Kishane Thompson, the successor to Jamaican Usain Bolt?
Kishane Thompson recently ran an astonishing 9.75 seconds in the 100m, placing him sixth in world history. He’s just secured his spot in the World Championships in Tokyo this September after a stellar performance at the Jamaican Championships, where only five others achieved this feat.
Thompson will also be seeking revenge against Noah Lyles, especially after a narrow loss in the Olympics. He’ll face tough contenders including former world champion Christian Coleman, American Trayvon Brommel, and Jamaican Ackeem Blake.
Medium distance magic: 1500m Faith Kipiegon, 800m Mnikolaev, stacked Bauerman Mile
Kenya’s Faith Kipiegon is looking for more glory after becoming the first woman to run less than a four-minute mile. Recent results show her in great shape, aiming to break the 1500m world record of 3:49.04 in a field that features Ethiopia’s Dilib Weltege and Paris medalist Jess Hall.
Mnika Mu returns for the newly named Mutola 800m, having missed out on last year’s Olympic slots due to a heartbreaking performance at the U.S. Trials. This time, she’s back in action—her first race of the year—with potential challengers including Mary Moraa from Kenya and Tsige Duguma from Ethiopia.
The classic Bauerman Mile, named for the legendary track coach and Nike co-founder, is also set for excitement. A surprising gold medal performance for Cole Hocker in 2024 has created high expectations, especially with strong American competitors like Jared Nuguse and Grant Fisher in the mix.
Another world record for Mondo Duplantis (and $100,000)?
The men’s pole vault is seeing some extraordinary heights being reached. American-born Swede Mondo Duplantis surpassed the previous world record at 6.17m, only to later break it again at 6.28m. Each record-setting performance has earned him significant bonuses, and he could be aiming for a new mark of 6.29m this Saturday—let’s see if he can strike that.
Former WWE and UFC Superstar’s daughter Goes Pro
Mya Lesnar, daughter of the famous Brock Lesnar, is set to turn professional following a decorated career at Colorado, including winning the NCAA Shot Title. Her recent best throw of 19.60m would have earned her a bronze in Paris, although she might face tough competition from athletes like German Olympic champion Yemisi Ogunli.
Four other notable events to watch
- 200m for men: Botswana’s Lethseal Tebogo and America’s Kenny Bednarek placed first and second in Paris, showcasing their talents despite injuries affecting Tebogo’s season.
- 400 meters for men: Quincy Hall from Kansas City is an exciting story to watch alongside Matt Hudson-Smith in what will be their first matchup since the Olympic final.
- 400m hurdles for men: Olympic champion and American record holder Lybenjamin will be looking at Brazilian Allison Dos Santos and Norwegian world record holder Karsten Warholm, although Warholm won’t be participating this time around.
- 5000m for women: The rivalry between Kenya and Ethiopia will be reignited as double Olympic champion Beatrische Bett faces two-time world champion Gudahutsegay, both of whom are riding high on recent record performances.
What time is Prefontaine Classic?
The Prefontaine Classic will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock this Saturday, July 5th, starting at 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT. For those looking for coverage ahead of that, USATF.TV will have earlier events starting at 1 PM / 10 AM. There’s plenty to look forward to in what’s shaping up to be an exciting weekend.
