Despite the nearly 30 years since the death of University runner Steve Prefontaine, his impact on running continues to be widely celebrated. There are books, movies, statues, races and clothing to commemorate Oregon’s most famous runner. Perhaps the best way to celebrate the decorated athlete, however, is to do what he did best — run. The best place to do this is Eugene’s own Pre’s Trail: four miles of connected bark-mulch trails constructed in his honor.
“It’s my absolute favorite place to run in Eugene,” said Joe Henderson, an author and running teacher at the University.
Henderson has run almost every day for the past 24 years and said Pre’s Trail is not only the best run in Eugene, it is hard to beat anywhere in the country.
Pre’s Trail, constructed in 1975 shortly after Prefontaine’s death, is the result of the runner’s wish for more public soft running surfaces in the United States. Upon return from a trip to Scandinavia, where he found these surfaces widely popular, he suggested that Eugene construct similar paths for runners, according to Eugene resident and runner Janet Heinone.
Shortly after Prefontaine’s tragic death, Lane County worked closely with Bill Bowerman, Prefontaine’s former coach and co-founder of Nike. The Oregon Track Club also assisted in building the track that exists today, according to the Alton Baker Park Web site. The Oregon Masters Track Club maintains the trail as a service to the community.
| A LEGENDARY RUNNER For runners and students who don’t know about the legend who inspired the trail: Steve Prefontaine is considered by some the best middle-distance runner in the history of the United States. At the time of his death, he held every American Track & Field record from 2,000 to 10,000 meters. He has held eight collegiate records, and his three-mile and six-mile times are still standing today, according to www.distancerunner.com. |
Today the trail is a popular attraction in Eugene and is frequented by all running types from the Sunday jogger to the competitive athlete. The run is also convenient for those looking to run longer distances because it connects with the Willamette River Bikeway system that extends a total of 12 miles around the river.
Pre’s Trail is made up of three loops and their connectors. The trail begins at Alton Baker Park and roughly follows the Willamette River to the east, crossing under the I-5 Bridge and into Springfield before turning around for the return route. Student runners can get on the loop just south of Autzen Stadium where a sign
provides runners with a map of the run. Two other signs are provided to assist runners, one in Alton Baker Park and the other at the end of the trail in Springfield.
Much of the attraction to
the trail is that it spares runners the hassle of being caught up by traffic lights and busy streets. The scenic route also affords runners views
of Alton Baker Park, Autzen
Stadium , the Willamette River and
common wildlife.
