They called it Distance Night in Eugene so perhaps it was appropriate that dozens of fans stayed after the final race and lined a walkway just to get an up-close look at Kenenisa Bekele.

Bekele, the Ethiopian world record holder in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, was the rock star attraction at Hayward Field on Friday at the Prefontaine Classic. As he turned out of an interview tent, the throng cheered him and sought his autograph.

Even without the anticipated matchup with double-Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah, who switched out of the 10K to run in Saturday's 5,000, Bekele felt it was important to run well and win.

"It's a very special place," Bekele said. "I've very happy to run here."

Five years ago at the Pre Classic, in his first Hayward Field appearance, Bekele ran 26:25.17. It was within eight seconds of his world record and the fastest ever run in the United States.

On Friday, the pace was not as torrid. But Bekele mastered a top level group of East African runners and won in 27:12.08 -- the best time in the world so far in 2013.

Bekele, 30, called it "a nice atmosphere" and was undeterred by the absence of Farah, who succeeded him as Olympic champion in the 10K last summer.

"We will have many chances to run together," he said.

From Oregon Live