TrackTown USA and The Prefontaine Classic to partner with local non-profit Endless Mileage Project
TrackTown USA and The Prefontaine Classic to partner with local non-profit Endless Mileage Project
EUGENE, Ore. – TrackTown USA and The Prefontaine Classic have pledged ongoing support of local Olympian Benjamin Blankenship’s new non-profit organization, Endless Mileage Project, through financial contributions to The Fast Forest and facilitation of gear collection at events for Recovered Running.
The Fast Forest acts as a visible recognition of accomplishing one of the most storied feats in track & field: Breaking the 4-minute and 4:30 barriers in the mile. A tree has been planted for every historic barrier-breaker, and trees will continue to be allocated as future generations accomplish the feat. With the support of Willamalane Park and Recreation District, the orchards of the Fast Forest live within Dorris Ranch (205 Dorris Street, Springfield, OR 97477). Dorris Ranch is a natural historic preservation site, living history farm, a working commercial filbert orchard, and a public park with a rich history in the Oregon running community.
TrackTown USA and The Prefontaine Classic have made an initial cash contribution of $5,000 to cover the cost of the trees already planted for the 49 barrier-breaking performances already earned at Hayward Field. Additionally, TrackTown USA and The Prefontaine Classic pledge $100 for each new tree planted for a future barrier-breaking performance earned at Hayward Field.
“I am thrilled that TrackTown USA and The Prefontaine Classic are helping support Ben Blankenship’s inspiring vision and the fantastic, local non-profit he has created,” said TrackTown USA CEO Michael Reilly. “Hayward Field is known for historic performances, and being able to commemorate the sub-4 and 4:30 miles achieved there in this fashion only adds to its legacy. Additionally, TrackTown USA is committed to fostering opportunities for the next generation of athletes to pursue the sport we love. Recovered Running is aligned with that goal, lowering the barrier of entry to participate in track and field by providing local groups in need with necessary gear. Having donation bins at our events will strengthen that initiative.”
Recovered Running accepts new and gently used track & field apparel and equipment, and donates those items to local schools and running communities in need. Since 2020, Blankenship’s personal efforts on this front resulted in over 1,000 pieces of clothing and gear donated to high schools in both Oregon and his home state of Minnesota.
As part of the ongoing commitment, TrackTown USA and The Prefontaine Classic will have Recovered Running donation sites at multiple events during the outdoor track & field season, and will encourage spectators and athletes to bring items to donate. TrackTown USA and Endless Mileage Project will announce which events will include Recovered Running donation sites via their respective social media channels ahead of each event.
“The mission of the Endless Mileage Project is to blend sustainable programs into athletics,” said Endless Mileage Project founder Benjamin Blankenship. “The opportunity to partner with TrackTown USA allows us to mutually enhance each other’s messages within the track and field community. We can’t wait to work together and create exciting and meaningful sustainable projects within our sport.”
About TrackTown USA
TrackTown USA, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to setting a standard of excellence in hosting premier track & field events, creating a supportive environment for elite athletic performances, being a leader in sustainable sport practices, and inspiring the next generation of track and field athletes and fans. The organization was responsible for organizing the 2014 IAAF World Junior Championships, the 2015 and 2022 USATF Outdoor Championships, the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland, and the 2016 and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials—Track & Field. In partnership with USA Track & Field, the organization brought the 2022 World Athletics Championships to the United States for the first time. TrackTown delivers the Wanda Diamond League’s recurring Prefontaine Classic, recognized as one of the world’s best track & field meets.
About the Endless Mileage Project
The Endless Mileage Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2022 by Olympian Ben Blankenship that fosters sustainable environments and programming that inspire the next generation of track & field athletes to break barriers. Learn more about the organization at endlessmileage.org. To help support the efforts of the Endless Mileage Project, donate here.
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