Nike Prefontaine Classic to host Kenyan Olympic Trials race at 10000...

We're a little late with this, but as several track and field blogs have reported over the last few days, after weeks of speculation, meet director Tom Jordan officially announced that the Prefontaine Classic (photo of Moses Mosop from 2011 Pre Classic by Paul Merca) will host the Kenyan Olympic Trials in the men's 10000 meters on Friday June 1st, one night before the main portion of the meet.

The race will be a part of a special “Hollister Night at Hayward”, in honor of the late Geoff Hollister, a Nike executive who was instrumental in the creation of many of Oregon’s most notable track & field and running events, including the Prefontaine Classic. Hollister Night will precede the main Eugene Samsung Diamond League meet on Saturday, June 2nd.

“We are honored that Athletics Kenya has asked the Pre Classic to host its men’s 10,000-meter selection race for the London Olympics,” said meet director Tom Jordan. “That it will be part of Hollister Night at Hayward makes it even more special.” Thanks to title sponsor Nike, Inc., there will be no admission charge for the Friday evening program.

The race will feature the top 15 Kenyan athletes in the event as identified by Athletics Kenya, the national governing body. The race will be comprised exclusively of Kenyan athletes. As with the U.S. Olympic Trials, no pacesetters will be provided, promising a race of strategy and suspense over the 25 laps.

The top 2 finishers will automatically make the team to London, with the 3rd member being selected by the federation.

In addition, Hollister Night at the Pre Classic will feature the men's discus, women's triple jump, and women's hammer.

NOTE:  The meet management of the Prefontaine Classic contributed to this report.