EUGENE – Galen Rupp gave an estimated 7,500 fans what they came for Friday on the first day of the Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field.

Clicking off his final two laps in 59.4 and 58.5 seconds, the former University of Oregon star closed with a flourish to smash his own U.S. record in the 10,000 meters.

Rupp finished in 26 minutes, 44.36 seconds, to break the record of 26:48.00 that he had held since 2011.

The fans, who had hung out through the evening to wait for this race, were with him in spirit, clapping rhythmically as he passed, stomping their feet and roaring as Rupp accelerated over the last 800.

"The crowd here is phenomenal, this many people showing up," Rupp said. "Walking over from my hotel, I couldn't believe all the people sitting in the stands. It's what makes this place so special. These people come out and they're so excited about a 10k."

There was plenty to be excited about.

Rupp stayed in a lead pack of four to six runners through most of the race, clicking off laps of 64 and 65 seconds.

Then, with 800 to go, he put the hammer down.

"I felt great the whole race," Rupp said. "I could tell the pace was starting to slow down a little bit. I thought those guys might be getting tired. So I decided to just go for it."

Rupp said he didn't come to the track focused on running a particular time. Instead, he wanted to compete hard, and, if possible win the race.

In the end, he did it all. He competed, won and shattered a record.

"It's great to set an American record," Rupp said. "I was really happy that I was able to do it here at my home track in my home state.

"It was really the best way to end the night."

The top four finishers all bettered 27 minutes, setting personal records in the process.

Afterward he told the crowd that he and his wife are expecting twins in about a month.

And the fans had one more reason to cheer.

-- Ken Goe | @KenGoe