Oxy to Host USATF High Performance Distance Classic

LOS ANGELES — Occidental College and Bill Henry Track continue to play a role in the highest level of track and field.

Oxy announced an agreement with USA Track and Field (USATF) on Monday to host the 2014 USATF Oxy High Performance Distance Classic on May 15, bringing a crop of the best runners in the world to Jack Kemp Stadium for the fifth consecutive year.

The meet features 800, 1,500, 3,000-steeplechase and 5,000-meter events.

"We are excited and honored that USA Track & Field has chosen our facility to host the USATF High Performance meet again this year," Occidental track and field coach Rob Bartlett said. "It is a privilege that so many elite athletes will be making use of our great track."

Oxy is a desirable venue because it was built specifically as a training venue for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, with wider turns and a faster surface than most other college track facilities in the country.

Two years ago, the meet included eight athletes who went on to finish in the top nine at the 2012 London Olympics. The most exciting event was the men's 1500, that featured Olympic 10K and 5K gold medalist Mo Farah and 10K silver medalist Galen Rupp, going one and two in the event, just as they did in the 10K in London.

"The meet has gotten bigger and better each year," Bartlett said. "Last year the stands were filled with spectators which made for a really exciting and competitive atmosphere."

Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Occidental College 

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You are invited to apply for entry into the 2014 edition of the USATF High Performance Distance Classic, to be held on Thursday, May 15, on the campus of Occidental College in Los Angeles. Pasadena).

Mission Statement & Goal: To provide a high performance competitive opportunity for elite middle & long distance runners and optimal racing conditions to assist athletes in attaining the IAAF World Championships “A” qualifying standards. 

Facility:  Bill Henry Track in Jack Kemp Stadium—a facility that was originally built as a training venue for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.  The wide radius, polyurethane track, windless late afternoon/evening conditions, and pace-setters combine to make this meet a showcase for fast races.

Meet Directors: Rose Monday ([email protected]), Jonathan Marcus ([email protected]), Skip Stolley ([email protected]), and Frank Gagliano. 

Rules:  2014 USATF Competition Rules will govern the meet.

Entries: All entry applications must be submitted using this on-line entry form.  All fields in the entry form must be completed in order for an entry to be accepted. Once an entry is received, times will be verified before it is accepted.  Once an entry has been accepted the athlete will be notified by email.  

Qualifying Window:  All marks submitted for entry must have been achieved between May 1, 2013 and May 10, 2014.

Entry Deadline: Saturday, May 10, by 11:59pm PDT.  

Declaration Process: All accepted athletes are required to declare their participation by Sunday, May 11 at 11:59pm PST. To declare, athletes must email Rob Bartlett ([email protected]).  Any entries which are not declared will be scratched from the meet.

Heat Assignments: Will be posted at www.usatf.org on Wednesday, May 14 by 5:0pm PST.

Hotel Information: All athletes, coaches, and agents should use this link… http://www.ntssportstravel.com/book/may14/trackfield-hpoxy.shtml ...to book their hotel accommodations at the Marriott at Burbank Airport at the meet rate of $159.00 per night.   The Marriott also provides free transportation to area restaurants, as well as Burbank airport. 

Local Ground transportation:  Athlete traveling via LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) will be reimbursed for their  travel to and from the Burbank Marriott at the Super Shuttle rate.  Free transportation will be provided to and from the track from the Marriott. 

Packet Pickup: There will be no meet packets this year. Final meet information and instructions will be e-mailed to all accepted athletes at the conclusion of the declaration period is over. 

Practice:  Bill Henry Track will be available for pre-meet practice on Wednesday, May 14, from 4:00pm-8:00pm.   

Bibs and Hip Numbers:  Bibs, hip numbers and wristbands will be available for pickup during the pre-meet practice time on Wednesday, May 14, and beginning at 4:00pm on Thursday, May 15 at the athlete check-in tent. 

Access to the facility: Access to Bill Henry Track on Thursday, May 15 will be limited to only those athletes, coaches, and medical support staff wearing wristbands. 

Schedule of Events:  All races will be provided with pace-setters.

(The schedule is subject to change based on meet entries.)

6:15 pm  Women’s 3000M Steeplechase

6:50 pm  Men’s 3000M Steeplechase

7:20 pm  Women’s 800 Meters

7:40 pm  Men’s 800 Meters

8:05 pm  Women’s 1500 Meters

8:40 pm  Men’s 1500 Meters

9:20 pm  Women’s 5000 Meters

9:40 pm  Men’s 5000 Meters

Women’s Meet Records
800 Meters- 1:59.48  Alice Schmidt,  USOTC (2011)

1500 Meters- 4:04.60  Katie Mackey, Brooks Racing (2013)

3000M Steeplechase- 9:41.96  Bridget Franek, Nike OTC (2012)

5000 Meters- 15:05.56  Molly Huddle, Saucony (2013)

Men’s Meet Records
800 Meters- 1:44.71  Cory Primm, Unattached (2011)

1500 Meters- 3:34.66  Mo Farah, Nike OTC (2012)

3000M Steeplechase- 8:19.14  Don Cabral, Princeton (2012)

5000 Meters- 13:12.87  Mo Farah, Nike OTC (2012) 

Meet History:  In 2013, the USATF High Performance Distance Classic produced one American Junior Record, 2 meet records, and 12 “A” and 34 “B” qualifying standards for the IAAF World Championships in Moscow.  A total of 56 athletes set new PRs. 

Please click here for the 2013 meet results.