July 16 2004
Prefontaine One of ‘Best American Runners Ever’
ESPN Page 2’s Jeff Marron counts down what he believes are the best American runners of all time. Sitting in the 8-spot is Steve Prefontaine, hailed as “the most popular American runner of all time.”
read the ESPN article
June 21 2004
Prefontaine Article in June SI
In celebration of their 50th Anniversary, Sports Illustrated is digging through the athletic history of all fifty US states. Covering Oregon, former teammate and writer Kenny Moore takes a look at Prefontaine and his current influence on the sport.
Read the SI article online
May 2003
Webb Returns and Top World Times Set at Pre Classic
Held in Hayward Field at The University of Oregon, the 29th annual Prefontaine Classic occured on May 24, 2003. Recognized as one of America's best track & field meets, this year's crowd of 11,097 witnessed some of the world's fastest times and the return of Alan Webb. Two years ago Webb became the first high schooler to run a sub 4 minute mile at The Prefontaine Classic. This year, he returned with a 3:58, five seconds slower than in 2001.
Read more at Runner's World.com | Visit the Official Site
February 7 2003
Democratic Presidential Candidate draws similarites to Pre
Democratic presidential candidate, Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, is off to a quick start and some of his camps are drawing similarities between Kerry and Steve Prefontaine. In a CNN.com article, Kerry's spirit was compared to this Pre quote, "If I lose forcing the pace all the way, well, at least I can live with myself."
read the CNN.com article
January 21 2003
Jespersen receives Nike-Steve Prefontaine Award
At the 2003 Oregon Sports Awards, Lauren Jespersen was given the honor of receiving the Nike-Steve Prefontaine award. Each year the award is given to the male of female runner who shows outstanding effort and dedication.
read more from The Portland Tribune
September 1 2002
PREFONTAINE DVD to be released September 3rd
The first of the two blockbuster Steve Prefontaine movies is finally coming to DVD. No real word yet on what exactly the special features are, but the price is absolutely incredible - order now and pay less than $10.
Read about it & Get it Now
July 14 2002
ESPN: Prefontaine's got great looks too
ESPN.com's Page 2, an off beat, sometimes comical, magazine-like view on sports, recently asked their visitors, "Who is the sexiest athlete from the past?" The question was done in relation to ESPN's choosing of the sexiest athletes in today's sports world. Although visitors did not pick Steve Prefontaine enough times to place him the top ten, he did receive an honorable mention.
see the article
May 27 2002
2002 Pre Classic SuccessfulTaking place at University of Oregon's track, and Prefontaine's favorite stadium, the 23rd annual Prefontaine Classic took place at Hayward Field on Sunday, May 26, 2002. The meet featured such stars as Marion Jones and mile world record holder, Hicham El Guerrouj. The world's best track & field meet only featured invited athletes who have been ranked in the top 50 worldwide within the past twelve months. A sold out crowd watched and cheered the meet in track city, Eugene, Oregon from 1:00PM - 3:00PM PDT. It was then broadcast on ESPN2 from 8:00PM - 9:30PM PDT.
photo gallery | official site
February 19 2002
RW Readers: I want to meet Pre
In a recent poll taken by Runner's World, Steve Prefontaine was chosen as the athlete readers most desired to meet. Readers were asked, "which running superstar or running legend (dead or alive) would you like to meet?" Poll-takers responded with Steve Prefontaine twice as often as any other athlete. Roger Bannister, the first to run a mile under four minutes, finished in second place.
February 12 2002
Bill Bowerman Day: February 19
Declared by Nike after his death, Bill Bowerman's Birthday will now be known as Bill Bowerman Day. On February 19th of each year, Bill Bowerman as well as outstanding Nike employees will be honored. During his 26 years of coaching at the University of Oregon, Bill Bowerman created one of the first all-weather tracks, started the shoe company now known as Nike, and coached Steve Prefontaine to the top.
more on bowerman | nike press release
January 25 2002
Happy Birthday Pre51 years ago, on January 25, 1951, within the small town of Coos Bay, Oregon, Ray and Elfride Prefontaine were blessed with the birth of their son - Steve Prefontaine. A short twenty-one years later, he would showcase himself in front of the world at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
January 19 2002
Hayward Field Repairs Nearly CompleteConstruction on The Univeristy of Oregon's track, Hayward Field is nearly complete. Prefontaine, who only lost 3 races there, loved the world famous track, which hosts the NCAA Track & Field Championships and the Prefontaine Classic.
read more
November 2001
Hayward Field Repairs BeginHayward Field, The University of Oregon's outdoor track, and where Pre went nearly undefeated, is finally receiving its proper repairs. Early in 2001, the track's East Grandstands were thought to be too expensive for proper conservation. However, University of Oregon officials have slashed the estimated cost from over $1 million to roughly $300,000. According the contractors in charge, Lee Construction of Eugene, the price has been cut by using cost effective materials.
September 16 2001
Prefontaine Memorial Run Occurs in Coos Bay
On Saturday, September 15, 2001, the 22nd annual Prefontaine Memorial Run took place in Prefontaine's home town of Coos Bay, Oregon. The race was a tribute not only to the great Steve Prefontaine, but also to the victims of the attack on America. A moment of silence was given to all of those who lost their lives in the crisis. The winner of the this year's event was Chris Clancy from Portland, Oregon. His time for the 10k race was an impressive 32:35.
see race results
August 27 2001
Steve Prefontaine is "Most Overrated Track Star"
The magazine that has been loyal to Prefontaine and track & field for many years, Sports Illustrated, surprised readers when it released its August 27th issue, "The Most Overrated and Underrated." The issue insulted several of what are considered the world's greatest athletes, including boxer Muhammad Ali, and track & field legend Steve Prefontaine, who was named the "Most Overrated Track Star." Our website and Prefontaine fans around the world are upset with SI's choice. Please, support Pre and let your voice be heard against this shocking pick by submitting a letter or emailing Sports Illustrated.
read more... | give feedback at SI online
July 1 2001
Repair of Hayward Field Gets Some Vocal Support
More and more people are gathering for support to fix the grandstands at what some call Steve Prefontaine's home - Hayward Field. The track & field stadium needs major funding to fix their aging seats. World record-holder Hicham El Guerrouj made public on his experience in Eugene, Oregon, describing the great atmosphere and packed seats. His descriptions have helped others realize the importance of a stadium that could lose great events like the Prefontaine Classic. Although many support the issue, no actions have yet to be taken that would help solve this great crisis on the running world.
read more
June 18 2001
Hayward Field is breaking down
In the 1970s, Hayward Field was where Pre had his most shining moments. Thousands of "Pre's People" gathered at Hayward and cheered Steve through his amazing feats (see our section on Hayward Field for more details). Today, it is the center of the track & field world, hosting such events as the Prefontaine Classic, The NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, and The USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. But time is paying its toll on the classic stadium. The bleachers in the East Grandstand are falling apart and it is going to cost the University of Oregon millions to fix it.
read more
June 1 2001
Alan Webb attracts attention to Prefontaine Classic
If you missed the Prefontaine Classic Track Meet then you missed an afternoon of great athletes performing in honor of Steve Prefontaine. One of these athletes, high school senior Alan Webb, broke the one mile high school record when he ran a 3:53.43. His valiant effort brought the Prefontaine Classic a lot of media attention.
read AP story
May 30 2001
Anniversary of "The Night"
On May 30, 26 years ago, Steve Prefontaine left us behind. His life may have ended, but his spirit still inspires millions today. Share your stories and remember Pre by visiting our message board or read about the fatal night in the section, "the night."
message board | the night | tribute page
May 19 2001
Don't miss Prefontaine Classic Track Meet
Each year Steve Prefontaine is honored through a world class track meet held at Oregon's Hayward Field. Don't miss coverage of the event on Fox Sports Net, when it airs live on Sunday, May 27, from 12 PM - 1 PM Pacific Standard Time. Most of the world's greatest athletes will participate including Olympian Marion Jones, Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj, and American Bob Kennedy.
visit official website for more information
April 27 2001
"Prefontaine Track" to be opened today
Steve Prefontaine's High Schoool, Marshfield High School, will name their track after the legend. With the help of Nike's Bowerman Track Renovation Program, Marshfield High School has just completed a brand new Nike Grind all-weather track. The high school, located in Coos Bay, Oregon, will hold a ceremony dedicated to both Prefontaine and his Oregon coach, Bill Bowerman, later today.
read the press release | a review of the ceremony
April 27 2001
Distance Running Hall of Fame to create Bowerman Award
The National Distance Running Hall of Fame and Nike, have partnered to establish the Bill Bowerman Coaching Award. The Award will be given annually to a US distance running coach who, like Bowerman himself, believes that they are more teacher than coach, constantly nurturing athletes to find the best within their mind and body.
more...
April 26 2001
Bill Dellinger inducted to Coaches Hall of Fame
Bill Dellinger, an assistant coach to Bill Bowerman during Pre's years at Oregon, has been inducted into the Drake Relays Coaches Hall of Fame in Des Moines, Iowa. Although he was only an assistant coach, some believe Dellinger had a greater impact on Steve Prefontaine's life than Bill Bowerman. He took over University of Oregon's head cross country coach position after Bill Bowerman retired in 1973, and led one of the most successful programs in the nation. His coaching in Oregon's track & field program was also very outstanding. 18 of his runners broke American records, 15 qualified for the Olympics, and 12 won NCAA titles.
read the press release
April 14 2001
Dellinger elected to National Distance Running Hall of Fame
Long time coach of Oregon Track & Field and Cross Country, Bill Dellinger, has entered the National Distance Running Hall of Fame. Before taking over as head coach of The University of Oregon's Track & Field program, he held was the assistant coach to Bill Bowerman where he helped great athletes like Steve Prefontaine rise to the top. On April 26, he will enter another Hall of Fame - The Drake Relays Coaches Hall of Fame.
read the AP article
March 31 2001
Pre's 5000m record is broken!
At the Stanford Track & Field Invitational, Georgetown freshman Franklyn Sanchez broke one of Pre's few remaining records. Sanchez's stunning 13:38.39 5,000 meter run broke Steve's 19 and under record for the event. More about his great accomplishment can be read from an article in Georgetown's The Hoya:
read The Hoya article
March 1 2001
Get Prefontaine Classic Tickets
Michael Johnson, Marion Jones, and Bob Kennedy are just some of the great athletes that are expected to run at the annual Pre Classic on May 27, 2001. This high profile track meet is done each year in honor of Steve Prefontaine at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field. Usually the meet sells out and this year will probably be no exception.
head to preclassic.com to for ticket information | order tickets online at ticketmaster.com
June 2000
Pre Admirer, Gabe Jennings Wins 1500m in Olympic Trails
Top Standford distance runner and huge Prefontaine fan, Gabe Jennings, won the 1500 meter race during prelims on day 1 and finals on day 3 of the Olympic Trails. Jennings, who has the same birthdate as Pre, said, "I want to bring back that fire and that rage that he was able to get on the track, and get fans into it, get them onto the track, and part of the experience."
June 2000
Prefontaine appears on "The Daily Show"
Billy Crudup, the actor who played Steve Prefontaine in "Without Limits," appeared on Comedy's Central "The Daily Show." Although he was there to promote his next big film, there was some talk about "Without Limits" in the interview. Jon Stewart, the host of "The Daily Show," asked Crudup what it was like to get in shape for movies like "Without Limits." "You know," he answered, "with today's movie magic they can just place your head on someone else's body."
December 25 1999
Bill Bowerman Dies at 88
Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, and Steve Prefontaine's head coach, died on Christmas Eve. He will be missed by the entire running community. His contributions to the sport were greater than anyone else's. Nike plans to dedicate a new line of shoes, The Bowerman Series, in his name.
read nike press release