US Olympic Team Trials – 20km Race Walk Event Coming to Downtown Springfield, Oregon
On June 29, 2024, downtown Springfield, Oregon will be buzzing with excitement as we host the prestigious US Olympic Team Trials – 20km Race Walk event. This is a can’t-miss celebration for our Springfield community, bringing the thrill of world-class athletic competition right to our doorstep!
The City and local organizing committee TrackTown USA, 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 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 eventgoers.
[Click on the map to view and download larger map]
“I am excited that Springfield is hosting the Olympic Trials Race Walk event. 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.”
– Sean VanGordon, Springfield Mayor
Community members and visitors are invited to join the event starting at roughly 7:00am, Saturday, June 29, 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 7:30am for athletes in the men’s race and 7:31am for athletes competing in the women’s race.
An awards ceremony will be held at the Springfield City Hall Plaza immediately following the race.
There’s even more fun to be had during the event as the City and Willamalane host a Community Hospitality Courtyard with kids’ activities, fun giveaways, and the opportunity for residents and visitors to take home a FREE commemorative Race Walk poster while supplies last.
There’s even more!
Fan-ee Packs
Thanks to Willamalane, community members may pick up a FREE “fan-ee pack” kit to cheer on the competitors. “Fan-ee packs” are available while supplies last at the Willamalane Cheer Headquarters tent located in the Community Hospitality Courtyard.
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!
Willamalane Children’s Celebration
Following the Race Walk, join Willamalane Park and Recreation District at Island Park, at 200 West B Street, Springfield for a special celebration and fun for the entire family. You’ll find resources and fun interactive activities, including live performances and the Willamalane train from Willamalane, community partners, and exhibitors. You and your leashed pets can roam the PetFest section to explore pet-friendly resources and organizations.
For more information:
- Learn more about the Race Walk event and special commemorative Race Walk poster at https://springfield-or.gov/RaceWalk
- Download the Race Walk Map
- Visit Children’s Celebration to learn more about this special event at Island Park with Willamalane starting at 10 a.m.
- Visit TrackTown USA at https://www.gotracktownusa.com/
Contact:
Elyse Ditzel, Public Information Officer
City Manager’s Office
541-726-3635 | publicaffairs@springfield-or.gov
