LAGAT VS. MOTTRAM IN CLASSIC MATCH-UP

Eugene, Oregon (5/27/08)
     World steeple recordholder Saif Shaheen of Qatar has joined the illustrious field in the Prefontaine Classic 2-Mile at Hayward Field. Shaheen, who hasn't lost in his signature event since 2002, set the world record in the steeple of 7:53.62 in Brussels in 2004. He is twice a gold medalist in the World Championships steeple in 2003 and 2005.
     But his credentials in racing without barriers are also superb, as he rates among history's 10 fastest 5000 men ever at 12:48.21, making him the fastest man in the Pre 2-Mile field! With his blistering kick, he definitely adds spice to a field that already includes Bernard Lagat, Craig Mottram, and Paul Koech.

Eugene, Oregon (5/21/08)
     In this corner, standing 5-8 3/4 and weighing 134 pounds (1.75/61) World 1500 and 5000 Champion Bernard “Kip” Lagat of the United States. In the other corner, standing 6-2 and weighing 157 pounds (1.88/71), Prefontaine Classic 2-Mile recordholder Craig “Buster” Mottram of Australia. The distance is 8 laps, and there is only one winner. At last year's Prefontaine Classic, the tall Aussie put on a devastating kick to record the fastest 2-Mile ever on American soil, 8:03.50. He returns to Hayward Field on June 8 to face 2007 double World Champ Lagat, who became the first American ever to win golds at 1500 and 5000 meters in the same Worlds. Refereeing this match could fall to Kenya's Paul Koech, ranked No. 1 in the world in the 3000-meter Steeplechase last year by Track & Field News.

2-MILE (MEN)
Bernard Lagat
Craig Mottram (Australia)
Saif Shaheen
Paul Koech (Kenya)
Dathan Ritzenhein
Chris Solinksy
Adam Goucher
Jonathan Riley
Ed Moran
Collis Birmingham (Australia)
Bolota Asmerom
Shadrack Kosgei

Tickets for the Prefontaine Classic are on sale online at goducks.com, from 1-800-WEBFOOT, and in person at the Casanova Center Ticket Office.