Salute to Steve Prefontaine 5K and Mile

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift” – Steve Prefontaine

Steve Prefontaine is often thought of as the greatest American runner. At the time of his death in 1975, he held every American record from the 2000M to 10000M. Thousands upon thousands of fans flock to Pre’s Trail and Pre’s Rock in Oregon every year to pay homage to Pre and his love of running and doing his best.

Dave Rogers started the GWTC Salute to Steve Prefontaine Forest Run in 1976, the year after Pre's accident.

This year, to celebrate 50 years of this race, Gulf Winds Track Club salutes Steve Prefontaine with the 5K and 1 Mile race at the J.R. Alford Greenway with most of the race on the new single track trails and a special 50th anniversary shirt. Custom Salute to Steve Prefontaine Bib Boards will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each age group.

Pre was famous for living on top of a mountain and every day running up it. This course is built to honor Pre's daily run.

The 5K course starts with a full half-mile uphill and after about 3/4 of a mile you enter a single-track trail, where you twist, turn, and see long-leaf pines and beautiful nature, but not too many roots, for the rest of the race. The final mile is something that Pre would love. It includes two separate steep hills, finishing at the top back at the trailhead after a 1/4 mile hill.

The 1 mile race features a loop that also includes a portion of single-track.

A Steve Prefontaine dress-alike contest is part of the post-race awards and party.

The Mile run/walk will begin at 8:00am. The 5K will begin at 8:30am.