Pre Classic to join international series in 2010

Track Town USA’s place in the world became a little bigger and brighter Monday when the Prefontaine Classic was announced as one of at least 12 meets that will participate in the new IAAF Diamond League international track and field series.

The Diamond League, scheduled to begin in 2010, is an attempt to create a worldwide series of meets that will match the top athletes against one another on a regular basis, something like major golf tournaments or Grand Slam tennis events.

The Pre Classic, sponsored by Nike, and the Reebok Grand Prix in New York were the only two U.S. meets selected.

When the series is finalized, it is expected to include meets in Europe, China and Qatar.

“It’s nice to be recognized throughout the world as one of the 12 best meets in the world,” Pre Classic meet director Tom Jordan said.

Each Diamond League meet is expected to offer $416,000 in prize money, which roughly will double the amount of prize money offered by the Pre Classic.

– Excerpt from The Oregonian, March 3, 2009