The return of the U.S. Olympic Trials to be celebrated at May 7 TrackTown Tuesday Event

EUGENE, Ore. – (April 30, 2013) – In what promises to be an exciting night, Nike Running Eugene in the Oakway Center will host next week’s TrackTown Tuesday event at 7 p.m.

Many activities are planned, including a community celebration of the return of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field to Hayward Field in the summer of 2016, a preview of the NCAA Championships, giveaways from Nike and KIND Snacks, and special edition t-shirts for $1.

Vin Lananna, President of TrackTown USA and Associate Athletic Director of Olympic Development at the University of Oregon, will kick off the night, which will also include appearances from University of Oregon and OTC Elite athletes.

“We have so much to look forward to in TrackTown USA—this spring and in the future—with fantastic events slated at Hayward Field for 2014, 2015 and 2016,” said Lananna. “This week’s TrackTown Tuesday will give our community an opportunity to celebrate.”

The evening will also give fans a chance to participate, with a short run to Pre’s Trail, the Cooler, and then back to the Nike store. It will be led by Nike+ Running Pacers and will leave in six flights between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Runners will receive a special edition t-shirt commemorating the return of the U.S. Olympic Trials to TrackTown USA and a token for a free beverage from Hop Valley Brewing Co. For those who decide not to run, t-shirts will be available for a $1 donation that will go to the American Cancer Society.

Two past NCAA champions in Sally Kipyego (who won an NCAA record nine championships between 2006 and 2009) and Sam Chelanga (who has four national titles to his name) will represent OTC Elite on Tuesday. Kipyego is coming off a stellar 2012 season, in which she competed in her first Olympics and came home with a silver medal in the 10,000 meters. University of Oregon athletes will be announced later this week.

Light appetizers and Hop Valley beverages will be served beginning at 6:45 p.m. The TrackTown Tuesday series will continue throughout the season with events on May 28 at Valley River Inn, and on June 11 at Valley River Center. Tickets to the NCAA Championships are currently on sale. Go to goducks.com/tracktickets.com for more information.