Big-name female runners like Parker Valby highlight the NCAA outdoor track & field championship

The GIST: The outdoor track & field natty hits the starting blocks today in Eugene, OR, with a packed slate of events through Saturday’s finale, all on ESPN or ESPN2. The women are stealing the show, so here are the gals’ top races to follow through tomorrow’s semis and Saturday’s finals — don’t blink!

The 5k: No. 5 Florida distance queen Parker Valby is likely the most recognizable name on the collegiate track, and for good reason: She’s broken nearly every record she’s chased — but this one has so far eluded her. If she goes extra hard to capture it, expect Valby to match or beat her unreal NCAA–record indoor time of 14:52.79. Tired just thinking about it.

The 800m: Half a mile in under two minutes? That’s no sweat for No. 2 LSU runner Michaela Rose, who does it on the regular. A repeat title in this event is hers for the taking — as long as she stays focused on the NCAAs instead of this month’s Olympic Team Trials, where she hopes to earn a chance to rep Team USA in Paris.

The 4x400m: Arkansas is seeking an indoor/outdoor team sweep this year, and this relay squad is leading the Razorbacks’ charge. They already set an NCAA record at prelims on May 25th, but with reigning team champ No. 3 Texas in the mix, there are no safe bets in this race.