Now in its 41st year, the Prefontaine Memorial Run honors the running legend in his hometown of Coos Bay. The events include a 10K road race, 2-mile fun run or walk, and a 5K high school team competition.
Organizers expect this race to go ahead in person as planned. However, if any modifications need to be made, alternative plans include a staggered start for both the 10K and the high school meet.
In town for the weekend? The Prefontaine Memorial Run is part of the Bay Area Fun Festival, a two-day community celebration offering events for the entire family.
10K Race
The rolling 10K course follows one of Pre’s favorite training routes. It starts near the Steve Prefontaine monument in downtown Coos Bay, passes by the Prefontaine family home, and finishes at the Marshfield High School track where he first competed. Much of the route runs along Ocean Boulevard on a closed course.
This event has been designated as the 2021 Road Runners Club of America National Championship 10K Race. RRCA Championship medals will be presented to the top overall, master, grandmaster and senior grandmaster male and female winners.
Walkers may complete the full 10K distance, or opt for a shorter, 2-mile course. All distances are chip timed, and walkers have 1 hr 40 mins to complete the course of their choice.
High School Meet
The Prefontaine Memorial Run also includes a high school team competition. This is a standalone 5K race in compliance with OSAA rules. This race is for Grade 9-12 teams only; unattached runners and coaches must sign up for the 10K instead. This is a challenging, hilly road race along one of Pre’s favorite training routes, finishing at his old high school track.
See full meet details and registration information on athletic.net.
When: Saturday, September 18
- 9:45 – 5K high school race
- 9:50 – wheelchair race
- 10:05 – 10K and 2M fun run/walk
Where: Downtown Coos Bay, corner of 4th & Anderson
Cost:
- 10K and 2M – $35 ($45 after 9/14)
- Ages 18 & under – $15
- High school 5K – $12 per runner (up to 7 per gender, $7 per additional runner)
- Registration includes t-shirt
- Register in person at packet pick-up on Friday September 17th (4pm – 6pm) and Saturday September 18th (8:00am – 9:30am): St. Monica Catholic Church Parish Hall, 357 S. 6th St., Coos Bay
- Runners for the high school meet must be registered on athletic.net
