High standards at Stanford
30th June 2019 – With the famous Hayward Field in Eugene undertaking a facelift in preparation for the 2021 World Championships, the meet was switched to the Cobb Track and Angell Field at Stanford University in California.
The venue may have changed but the high standard of performance was as evident as ever for the 45th running of the Prefontaine Classic, the latest leg of the IAAF Diamond League series.
Dina Asher-Smith (GBR) and Jenna Prandini (USA) were both in action over 200m with Dina taking third in 22.42 seconds and Jenna fifth in 22.53 seconds.
Fred Kerley (USA) was third in the men’s 400m with a time of 45.33 seconds and Bralon Taplin (GRN) was eighth in 45.94 seconds.
There was a very welcome return to racing for Olympic 1500m Champion Matthew Centrowitz (USA) and he more than dusted the rust off as he took sixth place in the men’s mile in 3:52.26. Bethwel Birgen (KEN) was ninth in 3:54.32.
Hellen Obiri (KEN) was a part of the highest quality 3000m race ever and although she finished sixth she still clocked 8:27.26.
Article Tags: Bethwel Birgen, Bralon Taplin, Dina Asher-Smith, Fred Kerley, Hellen Obiri, Jenna Prandini, Matthew Centrowitz