For its 2009 edition, organizers of the adidas Track Classic shifted the competition schedule from mid-afternoon to early evening, in order to take advantage of more favorable weather in the Los Angeles area for distance running, while retaining fast conditions for sprint events. The format change was a success, with impressive early season results in both the sprint and distance events.

*** Click here to view photos from the 2009 adidas Track Classic ***

2008 U.S. Olympic Trials champion Anna Willard ran the fastest women’s 3,000 meter steeplechase on American soil.

2008 Olympic 400 meter champion LaShawn Merritt stepped down half a lap to the 200 meters for the adidias Track Classic, and emerged with a convincing victory.

Athletes and fans returned from two rest days, as competition resumed on Day 5 of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track and Field.

In the last event of the evening, Anna Willard set a new American Record in the 3,000 meter steeplechase. Sanya Richards and LaShawn Merritt claimed the 400 meter dash titles.

*** Click here to view Day 5 photos from the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track and Field ***