Eugene’s legendary Hayward Field is once again the center of the track and field world this week, welcoming the nation’s top high school athletes for the 2026 Nike Outdoor Nationals — the premier outdoor high school track and field championship in the country.
The meet, running June 18–22 at the University of Oregon, brings together elite young competitors from across the United States to compete on one of the most celebrated tracks in the world. Hayward Field, renowned for its world-class facilities and electric atmosphere, provides a fitting stage for the next generation of American track and field stars.
The event coincides with the USATF U20 meet also being held at Hayward Field, making Eugene a hub of high-level youth athletics this week. The Register-Guard has been capturing the excitement with photo coverage of both meets, showcasing the talent and energy on display at the iconic venue.
For Eugene, hosting marquee events like Nike Outdoor Nationals is a point of community pride — drawing young athletes, families, coaches, and fans to the city and reinforcing the area’s well-earned reputation as Track Town USA.
Sources: runblogrun.com, The Register-Guard