Reigning world 800m champion Mary Moraa is bracing for a defining moment at the 50th Prefontaine Classic this Saturday, July 5, in Eugene, Oregon.
The Kenyan middle-distance star is on a mission, to become only the second Kenyan woman to win the prestigious two-lap race at Hayward Field, a feat last achieved by Eunice Sum.
Moraa’s 2025 season has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Since opening her campaign at the Grand Slam Track Kingston, she has managed just two wins in the 800m, but the Olympic bronze medallist insists her focus isn’t on the setbacks. Instead, she’s intent on sharpening up ahead of her world title defence in Tokyo this September.
A Tough Test Against a Stacked Field
The Prefontaine Classic presents another stern challenge for Moraa, who will line up against an elite cast, including Olympic champion Athing Mu, Britain’s Jemma Reekie, and 2019 world champion Halimah Nakaayi.
It’s a field brimming with pedigree, and for Moraa, a timely opportunity to test herself and chase a third win of the season.
The 24-year-old is no stranger to this stage. She made her Prefontaine debut in 2023, finishing fourth behind Athing Mu. Last year, she climbed a step higher to second place as Keely Hodgkinson took the honours. Now, the only way is up.
Moraa Reflects on Motivation and the Mental Battle
Speaking ahead of the race, Moraa opened up about her mindset heading into one of the most competitive 800m contests of the year.
“This is my second time running the Pre-Classic, and when we are competing, we only have three places on the podium. In the race, you can expect anything, you can win, you can lose, or anything can happen. I don’t know what will happen, but if I win or anything happens, I am very ready,” Moraa stated.
Moraa explained that in the heat of competition, particularly after the bell signaling the final lap, athletes experience a crucial moment of reckoning.
“When I compete, I don’t have any plan. When you are competing, after the first lap, you need to ask yourself: ‘Why am I running?’” she revealed. “For me, I believe I’m chasing something that will bring me happiness in the future, and that thought keeps me going.”
Aiming for History in the ‘Mutola 800m’
The women’s 800m race at the Prefontaine Classic, often referred to as the ‘Mutola 800m’ in honour of Mozambican legend Maria Mutola, holds special prestige.
Eunice Sum remains the only Kenyan woman to have triumphed in the event’s storied history, a record Moraa now eyes.
“I’m ready for this Saturday, for the race. I’ve been training well, and this is the race I have been waiting for,” Moraa affirmed.
With her natural front-running instincts, resilience under pressure, and a point to prove, Mary Moraa will command attention on the Hayward Field track.
All eyes now turn to Eugene to see if the reigning world champion can etch her name alongside Kenyan greats and claim a memorable victory at one of track and field’s most celebrated meetings.