Running News Daily

Steve Prefontaine’s Final Race: A Victory Etched in History

On May 30, 1975, under the golden light of an Oregon evening, Steve Prefontaine ran what would become the final race of his life. The setting was Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon—his home track and the spiritual center of American distance running.

In the 5,000 meters that evening, Pre surged past Olympic champion Frank Shorter in the final laps, delivering a trademark gutsy performance. He crossed the finish line first in 13:25, cheered on by a passionate home crowd. It was a classic Prefontaine finish: fearless, front-running, and fiercely competitive.

Tragically, just hours later, Prefontaine died in a car crash driving his MGB, ending the life and career of one of America’s most iconic runners at just 24 years old.

This powerful image—captured by Sports Illustrated—shows Pre in command, moments before his final victory. It remains a poignant reminder of the passion he brought to the sport and the legacy he left behind.

Special thanks to Eric Giacoletto for remembering and sharing this historic moment.