There. I’ve said it. Steve Prefontaine, the dude who put Eugene and UofO track on the map died with a BAC of 0.16 after flipping their car on Skyline Boulevard. Pre chose to drive drunk.
In May 29, 1975, having won his 5,000-meter race at Hayward Field earlier that day, Steve Prefontaine attended a post-race party was at his friend Geoff Hollister’s house, along with Jon Anderson (the 1973 winner of the Boston Marathon and son of Les Anderson, Eugene’s mayor at the time), Kenny Moore, and Frank Shorter.
Around midnight, Pre climbed into his butterscotch MG, and gave his friend Shorter a lift to Moore’s house, where Shorter was crashing for the night, then flipped his MG and was crushed.
In his time, he claimed seven NCAA titles, a fourth-place Olympic finish in 1972 (5K), and American records from 2,000 meters through 10,000 meters.
At one point he held every distance record between 3,000 meters and 10,000 meters.
Pre’s rock, a place of pilgrimmage
has been made safer
Eugene, Oregon
This listing is provided by Eugene, Cascades & Coast
Running enthusiasts from around the world come to visit this site of legendary athlete Steve Prefontaine’s tragic car accident in 1975. You’ll likely find running shoes, notes and tributes left as a tribute to the beloved runner that called Oregon home.
Pre’s Rock is located near the intersection of Skyline and Birch Road and parking is very limited. Pedestrians should use caution.
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