US Olympic Trials – Race Walk Event Coming to Downtown Springfield, Oregon
Featured photo: U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials from June 2016 in Salem, Ore.
On June 26, 2021, Downtown Springfield, Oregon will host the US Olympic Trials – Race Walk event, a first for the Springfield community.
The City, along with Team Springfield partners Willamalane Park and Recreation District, Springfield Public Schools, and Springfield Utility Board are excited to welcome visitors and residents alike to this world event set in the heart of our community. Our key partner, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, joins us in the excitement and opportunity to welcome all to Springfield, Oregon.
Athletes competing in the Olympic Trials – Race Walk event will race the official course along 5th Street and Main Street in Downtown Springfield. The City is suspending parking enforcement activities in Downtown Springfield to better accommodate event goers.
Community members and visitors are invited to join the event starting at roughly 8:30 a.m., Saturday June 26 at the Springfield City Hall Plaza, 225 Fifth Street in Downtown Springfield, Oregon. A short welcoming ceremony will precede the 20km Race Walk trials, which begin at 9 a.m. for athletes in the men’s race and 9:01 a.m. for athletes competing in the women’s race.
An awards ceremony will be held at the Springfield City Hall Plaza immediately following the race. Then, local youth participating in the TrackGirlz program or Willamalane’s race walk clinics will have the chance to do a 100- or 200-meter race!
“I am excited that Springfield is hosting the Olympic Trial Race Walk event,” said Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon. “Downtown Springfield is the perfect backdrop for this event. It will give us an opportunity to cheer on these world class athletes from a truly distinctive part of our city. Thank you to both the Team Springfield partners and Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce for the additional work to make this a special community event.”
A special addition featured at event is a handcrafted Torii Gate created by woodworking students at Springfield High School. Wood used to create the Japanese arch is from the old Hayward Field East Grandstands!
There’s even more fun to be had during the event as the City, Springfield Public Library, and Springfield Chamber host a Community Hospitality Courtyard with kids’ activities, fun giveaways, and the opportunity for residents and visitors to purchase a commemorative Race Walk poster for $10. Additional posters featuring the Springfield Flame, Women Veterans Sculpture, and Downtown Springfield will be available for purchase at the special event rate of $10 each. Proceeds from the sale of this series allow the City to support future public art projects. It also provides visitors and residents with a beautiful keepsake of their time visiting and/or living in Springfield, Oregon.
There’s even more!
Fan-ee Packs
Thanks to Willamalane, community members can reserve space along the official Race Walk course and cheer on athletes. Reserved spaces come with a “fan-ee pack” kit to cheer on the competitors. The most enthusiastic group will have a chance to win a Race Walk poster provided by the City of Springfield. Spaces along the course are limited, and a refundable deposit is required for registration.
Storytime
Join your Springfield Public Library for a virtual, race-themed storytime at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23. This storytime is perfect for preschool and early elementary aged kids, but the whole family is welcome! For full event details, including Zoom meeting information, visit wheremindsgrow.org/events.
SPD Bike Patrol
In addition to helping keep the event safe for everyone, Springfield Police Department will have their popular Bike Patrol Officers on scene in support of the event and to connect with community members and visitors!
Race Walk Clinic
Willamalane is also hosting free Race Walk Clinics the day before the Race Walk Finals in Springfield. Participants will learn from professional Race Walk coaches, and children who register will have the chance to participate in an event after the official Race Walk Finals on Saturday, June 26.
TrackGirlz
Kids can get real coaching from elite athletes and coaches! This program is available for middle and high school girls who are interested in track and field. Participants get three free weeks of track and field training from Olympian Mechelle Lewis Freeman and Wellness Coach Jennifer Nash Forrester. Participants will also have a chance to do a 100- or 200-meter race on the official U.S. Olympic Team Trials Race Walk course in Springfield!
For more information:
- Visit willamalane.org/trials to sign up for race walk clinics, reserve your space along the course, or get real track and field coaching from TrackGirlz.
- Learn more about the Race Walk event and special commemorative Race Walk poster at springfield-or.gov
- Learn more about the race-themed storytime hosted by Springfield Public Library at wheremindsgrow.org/events
- Visit TrackTown USA at https://www.gotracktownusa.com/
