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.

Race Walk Event Details

Athletes competing in the Olympic Trials – Race Walk event will race the official course along 5th Street and Main Street in Downtown Springfield. Race Walk Course Map

Community members and visitors are invited to join the event starting at roughly 6:30 a.m., Saturday June 26 at the Springfield City Hall Plaza, 225 Fifth Street in Downtown Springfield, Oregon. The City is suspending parking enforcement activities in Downtown Springfield to better accommodate event goers. Traffic detours will be in place. Please see http://www.springfield-or.gov/race-walk-traffic-detours/ for additional traffic detour information or view the Racewalk_Traffic_Detour_Map

A short welcoming ceremony will precede the 20km Race Walk trials, which begin at 7 a.m. for athletes in the men’s race and 7:01 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 (keep reading for more details)!

Activities & Commemorative Race Walk Poster

There’s even more fun to be had during the event at the Community Hospitality Courtyard! The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Springfield, Discover Downtown Springfield, Springfield Public Library, and Springfield History Museum, and others will host a variety kids’ activities and fun giveaways. The City’s Development and Public Works Department will also be handing out branded safety lights for walking and biking; and education resources including maps, stickers for kids with games to play and more.

Additionally, there is an 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.

(Posters available for $10 each at Race Walk event.)

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.

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!

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!

Springfield High School Torii Gate

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!

For more information: