There are few names in the running world that command as much admiration as Steve Prefontaine. Regardless of your university affiliation, the legacy of “Pre” is something that transcends team colors and rivalries. His story isn’t just Oregon’s — it belongs to the entire running community. And for anyone who’s ever been inspired by his relentless spirit and iconic racing style, the Prefontaine Memorial Run in Coos Bay is more than just a race — it’s a pilgrimage.
Set for Saturday, September 20, 2025, the race gives runners the chance to trace the steps of a legend, quite literally. The 10K course winds through one of Pre’s former training routes and finishes at the Marshfield High School track, where he first began making waves. This isn’t a flat-and-fast 10K either. It’s a challenging course — the kind that feels fitting for someone who never backed away from pushing the limits.
Now in its 40+ year tradition, the Prefontaine Memorial Run continues to be a high-caliber event that reflects the passion and pride of the Coos Bay community. It’s well-organized, welcoming, and steeped in history. You don’t have to be a scholar of track and field to feel the energy here — it’s in the streets, the people, and the legacy that still lingers.
In addition to the 10K, the event includes a 5K High School Team Competition, a Fun Walk, and an inclusive space for wheelchair participants. Walkers can opt to do the full 10K route or choose a shorter 2-mile course, and the walk is held at the same time as the main run. It’s the kind of event where everyone has a place — just as Pre would’ve wanted it.
And while the run is the centerpiece, it’s the atmosphere that makes it unforgettable. Runners will be surrounded by the historic backdrop of Coos Bay, including the Prefontaine commemorative monument and a permanent collection of his awards and memorabilia. Every finisher receives a celebration t-shirt, and an awards ceremony caps off the experience with a nod to those who gave it their all.
If you’ve ever watched old footage of Pre charging down a final stretch or read his quote about giving anything less than your best, this race is a chance to feel that energy firsthand. It’s a race that doesn’t just ask you to show up — it invites you to dig deep. So lace ‘em up, head to the coast, and be part of something that’s much more than a Saturday run.
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” – Steve Prefontaine
