The Spirit Of Runner Steve Prefontaine Lives On In Coos Bay, OR

Standing on South Broadway Street in Coos Bay, Oregon, I stare up at the larger-than-life two-story-high murals of home-town hero Steve Prefontaine. Haloed with a backdrop of blue sky and sunshine, the three separate panels depict the 1970s running sensation in varying stages of his career. From left to right, the images show Pre, as his friends and admirers called him throughout his running career. First, during his high school days at Marshfield in Coos Bay; then, in his junior year at the University of Oregon in Eugene; and, running the 5,000-meter race in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.

Though greatness had already blessed him as a runner, his life was cut short by a tragic car accident on May 30, 1975. He was just 24 years old and owned every American running record between two miles and 10,000 meters at the time of his death, eight records in all.

Steve Prefontaine with quote

Steve Prefontaine during the Summer Olympics. Photo: Creative Commons

The running world was shocked by the news of his passing, and I still remember that day distinctly. I had been in Germany for only a month, serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. Being a creature of habit, it didn’t take long to establish a Sunday morning ritual in Germany. I’d walk over to the base cafeteria, buy a cup of coffee and a copy of the Stars & Stripes newspaper.

At that time, there was no Internet, and the newspaper was the only source for checking scores of major league baseball and other sports. But sports aside, the only news I recall on the sports page that day was the dominant photo and story of Steve Prefontaine’s passing. I was numb with disbelief. I instantly thought of how, just three years ago, he competed in the Munich Summer Olympics an hour’s train ride away from my duty station.

Later that day, I stuck to the goal I had set when first arriving in Germany: To start running regularly. I ran five miles that day, which was double what I usually did a few times a week. From that point in my life, running played an important role. In retrospect, Steve Prefontaine played a significant role in that goal, which I religiously continue even today.

author lacing up running shoes at the dunes in Oregon

The author laces up his old shoes for a run on the Oregon Dunes. Photo: Rick Stedman

Echoes of Pre

As a freelance travel writer, I’ve written a great deal about snowshoeing and golf over the years. Running has been the connection for staying fit to enjoy these and other activities.

Ironically, at the time I was planning a golf trip to Coos Bay, Oregon, it was also time to replace my aging New Balance running shoes, which I’d pounded on the pavement for more than 800 miles. While sitting in a running shoe store in Olympia, Washington, waiting for the sales clerk to return with a few samples, I notice on the wall several framed photos of runners in full stride; the only one I recognized was Steve Prefontaine, mustache and all. I hadn’t heard his name in years, but seeing his photo brought a reflective smile. After all, he inspired a generation of runners and want-to-be-runners for years to come, and I was among the faithful.

After purchasing a new pair of Brooks Ghost running shoes, I headed home to finish researching all the things I wanted to experience while in Coos Bay. And for the second time within 24 hours, I thought of the iconic Oregon runner. I discovered that Steve Prefontaine grew up in Coos Bay! I knew Pre attended the University of Oregon in Eugene, and I always assumed he was from that city.

Steve Prefontaine Memorial at Coos Bay Visitor Center

Here, a memorial to Steve Prefontaine outside of the Coos Bay Visitor Center. Photo: Rick Stedman

Finding Pre in Coos Bay

I was impressed to read that Coos Bay continues its devotion to Pre even today. He is still bigger than life in this town on the southern Oregon coast.

In addition to the mural, there is a statue dedicated to Pre right outside the visitor’s center in downtown. There’s also a poignant gallery on the second floor of the Coos Art Museum devoted to his many accomplishments. Here, you’ll find numerous photos, trophies, ribbons, and other Pre memorabilia from his productive but short career.

Memorabilia of Steve Prefontaine at Coos Art Museum

The Coos Bay Art Museum gallery includes numerous photos and memorabilia of Steve Pre. Photo: Rick Stedman

Steve’s sister Linda offers a comprehensive Steve Prefontaine Tour called the Tour de Pre.  The tours were canceled for 2020 due to COVID-19 but have resumed as of resume May 1, 2021. Highlights include Linda’s personal anecdotes and a chance to run on the Marshfield High School track, where it all started for Pre. The facility is now Prefontaine Track. Linda’s Tour de Pre also includes visits to other locales where Steve once ran, including the nearby dunes and a local golf course. The upbeat and informative tour ends on a somber note with a visit to Steve’s final resting spot at Sunset Memorial Park.

Also, every September, runners descend on Coos Bay for the annual Prefontaine Memorial 10K Run. This year’s 41st annual run, scheduled for September 19, was canceled due to COVID-19 and rescheduled for September 18, 2021.

Oregon Dunes

Photo of the Oregon Dunes mentioned in the Tour de Pre. There are 40 miles of the dunes to run on and up! Photo: Rick Stedman

Connecting the past and the present

As mentioned, in addition to running, I enjoy snowshoeing during the winter months, an activity I took up a few decades ago. That’s why when I was finally standing before those murals of Steve in downtown Coos Bay, I immediately wondered whether he would have enjoyed snowshoeing. Or, more realistically, how much he would have enjoyed snowshoe racing! Numerous runners and cross-country fanatics have included snowshoeing or snowshoe racing into their regimens (and offer training tips). Snowshoeing is an excellent complement to running, as well as a great workout, and the competition is fierce, too!

I’ve occasionally thought about the potential impact Steve might have had on the sport of snowshoeing, which got its official start in the U.S. a few years after he died. In 1977, the United States Snowshoe Association (USSSA) formulated, and the sport of snowshoe racing was launched.

Read More: Transition From Running To Snowshoe Racing

photos of Steve Prefontaine in Coos Art Museum

Who knows of the impact that Pre could have had on snowshoe racing. What might other photos have been in this museum? Photo: Rick Stedman

While hiking some of the steep hills of the picturesque Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, I recalled that Linda mentioned that her brother spent untold hours running up and down these same dunes. Also, he ran along with the Coos Golf Club, which I was planning to visit while in town.

A few days later, I’m standing at the tee box of a long par five at Coos Golf Club. The club was Coos Country Club when Steve Prefontaine used these same fairways for running. I could almost imagine him effortlessly striding across the fairway right before me. And I couldn’t help wondering just for a moment what his potential impact on the worldwide snowshoeing community might have been, if only…

What memories do you have of Steve Prefontaine? Please share them with us in the comments below!

Read Next:
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Why Snowshoeing Should Be An Olympic Sport
Interview with Tom Sobal: Snowshoe Racing Pioneer
Oregon Snowshoeing Articles

Author

About the author

Rick Stedman

Rick Stedman is an avid snowshoer and golfer. He currently lives in Olympia, Washington.

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5 Comments

  • I saw Pre run in 1975. Years later I decided to do my own documentary: you may check it out here, prespeoplemovie.com

  • When I was in fourth grade, Pre was a lifeguard at Mingus Park pool. My large family had a season pass and we swam everyday in the summer. One day after getting my hair cut short, we went to the pool. When I checked in, Pre was running the desk. He looked at me and jokingly said, “You’re not a Whitty. The Whitty girls have long hair.” I replied, “I got my hair cut.” He answered with a smile, “Okay, I will let you in.” Pre was a very nice lifeguard.

  • Coos Bay has a population of over 46,000 and North Bend is almost 10,000 and is located inside Coos Bay board so a “small fishing village” isn’t quite accurate for that area.

    • Hi Jessica,

      Thanks for your comment! You’re right in that the Coos Bay area has grown substantially and, with the surrounding areas, has a much larger population than one would equate with a small fishing village. We were looking at the formal geographic area of Coos Bay, which has a smaller feel and population of about 16,000, and I apologize for any misconception. I have changed the wording in the article to more accurately reflect the surrounding areas of Coos Bay. I greatly appreciate your insight! -Susan, SSM Editor

      • You are both wrong! Coos Bay has NOT “grown substantially.” This town has been depressed since the 70’s. The population has barely increased since the years I grew up here which was in the 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s. I moved to Eugene in 73’ and lived there until 2017 when I moved back to CB. I can tell you not much has changed except more homeless and crime.
        Within the last year, there has been some increase in construction.

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