Running News Daily

When the University of Oregon announced in early February it will have a virtual commencement ceremony for the second year in a row, the university was met with frustration from some students — not because they wanted to shirk COVID-19 guidelines, but because they believed it was a double standard.

UO's virtual commencement ceremony is scheduled for June 12. A week later, the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Track & Field will be held at Hayward Field on UO's campus.

UO also announced this week it will host five collegiate track and field meets at Hayward, starting the weekend of April 2 and ending with the NCAA Championships June 9-12, the same week as graduation.

The university is not involved with the planning or organization of the Olympic trials. The trials are run by TrackTown USA, an outside party that contracts with UO for the use of Hayward Field.

Spectators are not welcome at the first NCAA meet, UO said.

While the university is unwavering on a virtual commencement, it is looking at adding some form of in-person activity for graduation.

For some students, though, it's not enough.

"I just want the (Olympic) trials and graduation to be held at the same standard — so either they both happen or they both don't," said Morgan Leone, a 22-year-old UO senior graduating in June. "And if they both don't, it's unfortunate they couldn't make it happen. (People) worked really hard for both of them, but I would love to see them both happen regardless."

Spring sports moving forward

The Olympic trials for track and field has been held at Hayward Field six times since 1972, though the first year only included men's events. The 2020 trials will be the seventh.

They are organized locally by TrackTown USA, a Eugene-based nonprofit organization that runs other large-scale track and field events. TrackTown has contracted with UO to rent space on campus for these events before, and this year is no exception.

The 2020 Olympics, which were postponed globally because of the COVID-19 pandemic, are scheduled to be held July 23 through Aug. 8 in Tokyo.

Although TrackTown consistently had to adjust plans for the trials, working with public health officials and the UO to adapt to changing policies, said CEO Michael Reilly, the organization still plans to host it in June.

"We are full-steam ahead in planning to host the Olympic trials in June," Reilly said. "We are remaining hopeful that the event is going to continue to be able to be held, and, the conditions here in Oregon and around the country continue to improve. But, if anything, we've learned over the last year we have to take things week by week."

UO sports such as softball, soccer and track and field are underway this spring. The NCAA has been regularly testing athletes for COVID-19 this year.

The Oregon track and field team will host five meets at the new Hayward Field this spring, which will "only be hosting guests of student-athletes and coaches as the meet schedule begins," and no spectators, Oregon Athletic Director Rob Mullens said.

More in-person activities will be allowed as guidelines change, potentially meaning spectators at events.

State guidelines vary standards

Lane County's risk level set by Oregon Health Authority has been dropping for several weeks. As the vaccination rate increased, the number of new cases has decreased significantly and as of Friday, the county was put in the "lower risk" category, which is the lowest category a county can be in.

"Even with Lane County moving into a lower risk category, the university’s educational and research activities are still restricted by the governor’s orders for higher education issued last June," UO spokesperson Molly Blancett told The Register-Guard in an email.

The governor's executive order notes that for research, residential and instructional activities, universities should follow what is directed from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. It also states other activities on campus, such as athletics, need to comply with other executive orders and OHA guidance specific to the risk level of the county.

In the lower risk category, indoor classroom instruction cannot exceed 50 people, and outdoor classroom instruction 300 people, the HECC states. Outdoor recreation, including college athletics events, are allowed a maximum of 50% occupancy, according to OHA guidelines.

"These restrictions (for UO) are independent from activities organized by outside parties that have contracted to use UO facilities," Blancett said.

TrackTown's operating plans not set yet

However, TrackTown always has to comply with the policies laid out by UO on the use of the space, Reilly said, as part of the contractual agreement.

UO also will be paid by TrackTown for space used, as part of that contract. The exact dollar amount is still unclear, Reilly said, but will likely be set in the coming weeks as they come to better understand the amount of space the organization will rent from UO.

Lane County Public Health also is involved in Olympic trials planning and has been for past trials, Reilly said. When the time comes, TrackTown will present its plan to OHA.

"We fully expect a good rigorous analysis from them. We'll try to do our best to answer their questions that may evolve at that point, a need for us to adapt and change the operating plans that we're proposing," Reilly said.

"I imagine it's going to be an ongoing back-and-forth discussion with them in the coming weeks to try to arrive at a set of operating plans that they feel comfortable about," he said. "That will enable us to not only conduct a safe event for the participants there, but also do a good job of protecting the broader community."

UO entertaining in-person grad activities

The Olympic trials being contracted out to a third party doesn't change students' call for UO to seek alternatives for graduation.

"That really frustrated me in the sense that they're kind of hiding behind TrackTown," Leone said about UO. "I feel like they've been using that as an excuse.

"In a way like I feel like we signed a contract with the school, and we all paid our way through the university whether we liked it or not," she said.

"And it's frustrating to see that (UO) will be getting a paycheck out (from) TrackTown, and it seems very correlated to why they also want to keep pushing it to go on. I feel like the university tends to forget that we are also paying students and paid a lot of money to go here."

Leone is one of 1,600-plus people who have signed an online petition for UO to reconsider the decision to hold a virtual commencement and include more student input on alternatives.

The petition points out changes such as increased access to vaccines in Lane County, along with the track and field plans as reasons to reconsider.

UO announced there may be some opportunity for in-person activities at commencement, though the actual commencement ceremony will still be virtual. However, it's still unclear what these activities could be.

In a typical year, each school and college at UO (the business school, college of arts and sciences, etc.) has its own smaller commencement ceremony. This is where students actually have their names read and walk across stage to receive their degrees. Then there is a separate, university-wide commencement ceremony with speeches from UO President Michael Schill and other guests.

When asked whether these smaller school-specific ceremonies still were being considered, Blancett said UO is "actively exploring how it might add an in-person activity to complement planned virtual commencement ceremonies," but had nothing more to share at this time.

Students suggest safe alternatives

Leone set up a template email that students could fill out and send to UO leaders suggesting a way of doing in-person commencements. The program she uses shows about 200 people have used the template.

"It's basically suggesting doing many different ceremonies throughout the day at many different locations, without families, so Hayward, also at Autzen field, the EMU lawn," she said. "Everything I wrote followed the extreme risk guidelines, so it'd be 25 people outside all socially distanced ... it would be very strict, but at least families could tune in and watch."

With about 30 minutes per ceremony, following the most stringent guidelines the state has set, Leone said she calculated it would take a couple of days to get through everyone including the 2021 graduates, but it would be possible.

"I don't want anyone to think I'm disregarding COVID or trying to push for unsafe COVID activities," Leone said. "I just figured there are other universities working really hard to try and make something else safe. (UO) can absolutely do that for the seniors."

In the statement, UO's Blancett said UO is "eager to recognize students’ successes and achievements in meaningful ways."

"The health and safety of our community is a top priority, as is the ability to remain flexible while adhering to a rapidly changing guideline that may become more or less stringent over time," she said. "The safety of our campus community remains a top priority and a guiding principle as we navigate moving operations in and out of different risk levels."

MONFORTE DA BEIRA, PORTUGAL — Three weeks after dislocating my shoulder in a fall shortly after arriving in Lisbon, I found myself looking for a goal that would keep me moving while allowing my body time to heal.

The fall resulted in a trip to the hospital and weeks of recovery with my arm in a sling. While it limited my running, it did not take away my desire to stay active.

The inspiration for my next goal came from an unexpected source. Anderson Manor recently hosted a group of nine women from Australia whose passion is hiking and trekking. Watching their enthusiasm for exploring the countryside surrounding Monforte da Beira reminded me how much there is to discover on foot. Their visit inspired me to create a challenge of my own.

I called it my Portugal Villages 100K Challenge.

The concept was simple: cover 100 kilometers on foot while connecting the villages surrounding Anderson Manor, including Monforte da Beira, Cegonhas, Malpica do Tejo, and Ladoeiro.

Unlike an organized race, there was no entry fee, no aid stations, and no spectators. But there was a finish line—100 kilometers. My goal was to reach it under my own power while exploring some of the most beautiful countryside in central Portugal.

Running was limited because of my shoulder situation. Much of the journey was completed while wearing a sling. Some sections were covered at what I call a shuffle, roughly 16 to 17 minutes per mile, while others were completed at a brisk walking pace. The objective was never speed. The objective was forward progress.

An event is an event.

Over six consecutive days, I traveled through olive groves, farmland, quiet village streets, and winding country roads. One day included my familiar Cactus Loop, a 5.25-mile route near Anderson Manor. The remaining days were primarily point-to-point journeys linking neighboring villages.

What struck me most was the beauty and simplicity of Portugal’s rural interior. There were long stretches where the only sounds came from birds, sheep, and the occasional tractor. The landscape remains largely unchanged from generations past, offering a glimpse of a slower and more peaceful way of life.

The final kilometers came on the road to Ladoeiro. Reaching 100 kilometers was my finish line. There was no official clock, no banner stretched across the road, and no cheering crowd, but the finish line was real nonetheless. Today, on a quiet road approaching Ladoeiro, my GPS showed that I had reached the 100-kilometer mark. The distance had been covered, the challenge was complete, and the finish line had been reached.

At age 78, I continue to believe that fitness is not defined by speed. Some days we run. Some days we walk. Some days we do a little of both. What matters is maintaining the habit of movement and continuing to challenge ourselves regardless of age or circumstance.

This personal challenge reminded me that setbacks do not have to stop us. They simply require us to adapt. While my shoulder continues to heal, completing this 100K journey proved that meaningful goals can still be achieved even when conditions are less than ideal.

I also came away with an even greater appreciation for the villages that surround Anderson Manor and for the simple joy of exploring them under my own power. Sometimes inspiration comes from elite athletes. Sometimes it comes from a group of travelers from Australia who simply love to walk and discover new places.

The roads connecting Monforte da Beira, Cegonhas, Malpica do Tejo, and Ladoeiro are still there. I suspect I will be traveling them again soon.

Kenya's sprint king Ferdinand Omanyala has sent a powerful message to his rivals ahead of one of the most anticipated 100m races of the season, declaring that fans should expect something special when he steps onto the track at the Rome Diamond League.

Speaking in an interview with Nation Sport ahead of the prestigious meeting in Rome, the African record holder made it clear that he is entering the race with renewed confidence and determination, insisting that the version of Omanyala the world has seen in previous seasons is no longer the same athlete.

"I am not the same Omanyala they are used to. It will be different. I promise you fireworks. The roof will blow off," he said, underlining his belief that his best performances are still ahead of him.

The Kenyan sprint sensation also reaffirmed his season-long objective of consistently breaking the coveted 10-second barrier, revealing that he is fully focused on delivering sub-10 performances throughout the Diamond League campaign.

His bold remarks have only heightened anticipation for the men's 100m showdown in Rome, where he is set to face an elite field featuring world champion Noah Lyles, Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, and South African sprint star Akani Simbine.

The race promises to be one of the highlights of the meeting, bringing together some of the fastest men in the world in a contest that could produce exceptional times. For Omanyala, it is another opportunity to showcase his growth, challenge the very best, and strengthen his position among the global sprinting elite.

As the athletes prepare to take their marks, excitement continues to build around the Kenyan star. He has promised fireworks, and with a world-class field standing alongside him, the stage is perfectly set for a memorable night of sprinting in the Italian capital.

Whether his bold prediction comes to life remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Omanyala is heading into Rome with confidence, ambition, and the belief that his fastest races are still ahead of him.

Olympic and world champion Winfred Yavi will step out of her renowned steeplechase comfort zone on Thursday evening as she takes on a strong women's 5000m field at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea, the fourth stop of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League in Rome.

The Bahraini star arrives in the Italian capital carrying impressive credentials over the distance. Yavi owns a personal best of 14:41.99 and currently holds Bahrain's national record in the women's 5000m, underlining her versatility beyond the barriers that have brought her global fame.

Rome holds special memories for Yavi. The Stadio Olimpico was the scene of one of the finest performances of her career in 2024 when she produced the second-fastest women's 3000m steeplechase time in history, narrowly missing the world record. Now she returns to the Eternal City with a different challenge ahead as she looks to make her mark in one of the deepest distance races of the evening.

The 27-year-old will face a quality field featuring rising Kenyan talent Caroline Nyaga, Margaret Akidor, Ethiopia's Likina Amebaw and Hirut Meshesha, as well as fellow Kenyan Purity Chepkurui. With several proven performers on the start line, the race promises to be a fierce battle from the opening laps.

Adding further intrigue is the standard set by the event itself. The current world record of 13:58.06 belongs to Kenyan superstar Beatrice Chebet, who became the first woman in history to break the 14-minute barrier for 5000m.

Although Yavi's primary focus remains the steeplechase, her growing strength on the track has made her a genuine threat in longer flat races. Every appearance outside her signature event offers another glimpse into the remarkable range that has transformed her into one of the world's most complete distance runners.

As the lights shine on Rome tonight, all eyes will be on Yavi to see whether she can translate her championship pedigree into another memorable performance. A victory would further cement her reputation as one of the most versatile stars in global athletics and provide a major statement as the Diamond League season gathers momentum.

Age may slow the clock, but it does not have to limit ambition. At 90 years old, Bill Schwarz has achieved something many runners spend a lifetime pursuing—completing his first marathon.

On May 31, Schwarz took on the full 26.2-mile challenge at the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, embarking on a journey that was never about pace, rankings, or finishing inside the official cutoff time. For him, there was only one goal: cover the entire distance.

More than nine hours after starting, Schwarz was still moving forward. While the official race clock had long stopped, he continued until his watch confirmed he had completed every mile of the marathon course. That was the achievement that mattered most.

Schwarz’s remarkable accomplishment is made even more inspiring by the life he has led. A retired engineer, he once contributed to the Apollo space program, helping design components that played a role in humanity’s journey to the moon. Decades later, he is still proving that exploration and perseverance know no age limit.

Unlike many people in their later years, Schwarz takes no medication and has never undergone a joint replacement. Running first entered his life in the 1950s when he was a high school student. What began as a practical way to balance his interests eventually became something much deeper. Over the years, he stepped away from the sport and returned to it several times, describing running as a form of meditation that brings clarity and peace.

The marathon dream gained new meaning following the loss of his wife, Janice, two and a half years ago. Searching for purpose and direction during a difficult period, Schwarz registered for a local 5K race. That single event reignited his passion for movement and personal challenge.

One race led to another. A 5K became a half marathon. Then another half marathon. Soon, he had completed five. Last year, he walked and ran 60 miles along Spain’s historic Camino de Santiago over six days. The experience convinced him that his body was capable of tackling an even greater challenge—the marathon.

Determined to give himself every opportunity to succeed, Schwarz committed fully to preparation. He trained approximately ten hours each week with the support of a strength coach, running coach, stretch trainer, and Pilates instructor. Along the way, he lost 40 pounds and embraced a data-driven approach to training, monitoring his effort through heart-rate zones and using modern technology to help plan his nutrition strategy.

On race day, he was not alone. A friend of his daughter accompanied him throughout the entire journey, providing encouragement and companionship over every mile of the demanding course.

Yet, despite finally conquering his first marathon at an age when most people have long retired from athletic pursuits, Schwarz is not finished dreaming.

His sights are already set on the next challenge: the Boston Marathon. The oldest official finisher in the race’s storied history was 84 years old, meaning Schwarz could potentially rewrite the record books if he reaches the starting line and completes the course.

Before taking on San Diego, he summed up his philosophy with a simple but powerful statement:

"My objective is to finish. And whatever time it takes, it's going to be wonderful."

That mindset carried him through 26.2 miles and into marathon history. More importantly, it delivered a message that resonates far beyond running: goals do not have an expiration date, and it is never too late to pursue a dream.

Australian sprint prodigy Gout Gout has taken another monumental step in his rapidly rising career after World Athletics officially ratified his stunning 200-metre performance as the Under-20 World Record.

The 18-year-old sensation etched his name into athletics history at the Australian Championships in April when he stormed to an extraordinary 19.67 seconds, becoming the first Australian athlete to legally break the coveted 20-second barrier in the 200m. The performance immediately sent shockwaves through the global athletics community, drawing comparisons with some of the sport’s greatest sprinters and signaling the arrival of a remarkable new talent on the world stage.

With the record now formally recognized, Gout's achievement stands as the fastest 200m ever recorded by an athlete in the Under-20 category. His breathtaking run surpassed the previous world junior mark and was even quicker than the fastest time recorded by sprint icon Usain Bolt during his own teenage years, further highlighting the magnitude of the Australian's accomplishment.

The ratification by World Athletics transforms what was already a sensational performance into an official piece of athletics history. It is a landmark moment not only for Gout himself but also for Australian sprinting, a nation that has rarely featured among the world's fastest over the 200m distance.

Still only 18, Gout continues to build a reputation as one of the most exciting young athletes in global sport. His blend of raw speed, composure, and competitive fearlessness has captured attention far beyond Australia, with many now eager to see how far his talent can carry him on the international stage.

For now, however, the numbers speak for themselves: 19.67 seconds, a world-record performance, and a place in athletics history secured. The future appears exceptionally bright for the young Australian whose remarkable rise shows no signs of slowing down.