Pre died 20 years before I was born, but yet he is still a huge inspiration to me in terms of running, but even as a person. Pre lives FOREVER in the hearts of every single runner in the United States now and centuries to come. His spirit, personality, and most of all his attitude towards a race will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Steve Prefontaine.
@Richard Milliken Well, I am not a big Viren fan so I won't be convinced. Prefontaine was only 21 in Munich, far from the peak age for a distance runner. Not so sure given a second chance at Viren that he wouldn't have beat him in 1976. Sadly if he didn't win in 76 he would have had to sit out 1980 because of the boycott, when he probably would have been at his peak.
@Richard Milliken Pretty good analysis. The rumors surrounding Viren are one of the reasons I was not a big fan of his. Maybe he was innocent, but it always seemed a little curious to me that he really seemed to excel in the Olympics but not too much outside of the Olympics. As far as Prefontaine goes, I do think he might have lost a little motivation following the 1972 Olympics, but I am just speculating. It was a tough loss. He was still young however, so it is hard to say how he would have done in his late 20s and early 30s. I still remember the day when I heard the news of his death. So sad! I always admired him and his competitiveness!
My buddy Eddie and I worked the long jump pit at the San Diego Indoor Games in Spring of '75, and got to meet our idol, Pre. It was after he won his race, and he handed us his spikes, and a watch he won for the win, while he took his victory lap. He made two 17 year old nobodies feel like a million bucks. I'll never forget that feeling as long as I live. He died in that awful wreck not long after that night. So sad. I would try and run with that insane ferocity Pre had, that drive, but just did not have the talent or the courage to pull it off. What a warrior spirit he brought to distance running. Never back off, never quit. I am so grateful to have met the man, if only for a fleeting moment in time.
I was channel surfing one afternoon 11 years ago, happened upon "Without Limits". After watching I thought, "Why don't you get off your ass, start running again, get in shape, and do the best you can". Long story short, I dropped 40 lbs. got faster, enough to win/place in my age group in some races. I made the Pilgrimage to Pre's Rock, placing the running bib from my first victory on it, thanx to Steve Prefontaine.
Pre was a couple of years older than me. And yes, we all wanted to be milers like Ryun. He did make the 3 mile his own and probably would have set WRs in the marathon later. Go out there and do your best, we all have a little more to give if you dig a little deeper. One lap, one more mile. "One more!" - Jason Pisano
Man I love that tune by Massive Attack. It is their incredible Song in the House MD Intro. Haunting Lyrics, timeless in their import. This is great Pre highlight Vid. Thanks so much.
I remember reading Pre's intense comments " They may beat me but they'll have to bleed to do it. I remember hitting the wall many a time and struggling to get through it. (When I did, I thought I ran with the Angels). That is how I would describe the runners high.)
New to running and was wondering why ppl in Portland were always talking about this guy, so I've been doing my homework. what an awesome community this is. Years later people are still coming on here to watch him run. Rip pre Totally enjoyed the comments!!
It was one of the longest standing track & field records on the books... an incredible feat. Pre would be happy for Rupp if he were still alive today. Nothing can take away the guts that Pre brought to every race.
Cross country and Track are the BEST sports ever!!! Running is the very simple, but racing is complex. I'm glad the movies expressed that. Prefontaine was a great runner and one of my heros
I get really nervous before races, or even time trials. I know that in order to do well, it hurts. Watching this video rids me of my nerves and, in a way, prepares me for the pain.
I don't know who's watching this in 2024 or whatever but I'll say my words This video got me through the grueling days of cross country and track. But beyond that, it felt like a way of life. The intensity. The buildup. Dominance. This video is bittersweet -- a life gone early. Yet even with that life Prefontaine had, he went out with such a unique energy. And it perfect matches Massive Attack's Teardrop. Bittersweet... Anyways, if you're a runner, you'll get it. Embrace the journey my friends and always come back to this video.
i got to seem him run the 2 mile at the sunkist indoor meet in los angeles in 1974. everyone were on their feet the whole time chanting "go pre, go pre". of course he blew the field away. next year he died.
I don't think Pre will ever be forgotten. But to say that Rupp will be a footnote 50 yrs from now? Rupp is still young and has done some amazing things on the track. I love everything that Pre stood for. They will both be remembered for their own reasons. I don't think it should be a competition for who is remembered more.
he had a controlled crazy look. Like in the movie when he told bowerman he hated those other runners breathing down his neck. He ran to distance himselves from other runners by a large amount not just win at the end. Determination is putting it lightly.
Regardless of medals won, Rupp is a completely different athlete. There will never be another Prefontaine. Nobody has his guts. He didn't run on the kind of talent that Rupp has and he didn't have Salazar maximizing his talents. He ran with his heart and courage on cinder tracks. No one will ever be Pre. No one.
Pre was THE BEST runner of his time, him losing at the olympics does not change that fact, it would be impossible for a runner to never lose! Pre was the most celebrated runner at 5000 who never lost at that distance in college! Viren was good but no one had what Pre had!
Naw bro, even though Rupp won a medal I'm sure Pre's legacy will be remembered more. He is still my favorite distance runner and most likely always be. Most of the motivation that I've acquired has come from him. RIP to both Pre and Pat Porter, who died not so long ago.
steve prefonaine was amazing. its not about who starts out first or who wins, its about who finishes, who has the guts. He had enough heart to finish and with flying colors, he was made for running, he had the talent. Faster than any of my schools cross country teams times his high school years, including the seniors who have been running since like 4th grade. He is my inspiration for running and just because viren beat him doesnt mean in the long run(if Pre was still living)... cont.
i hate when people say "well, pre lost this, and pre lost that" pre is not an icon solely for his talent, but that with that talent on a world stage he displayed one of hell of a philosophy and charisma.
Rupp might have won a silver but Pre was definitely the better runner, Pre was so ahead of the American standard being able to set so many American records and he would have definitely gotten a medal the following Olympics if it wasn't for his accident. RIP- PRE!!
How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other win races? All my life people have been telling me, 'You're too small Pre', 'You're not fast enough Pre', 'Give up your foolish dream Steve'. But they forgot something, I HAVE TO WIN.
I was a collegiate athlete. At that level, honestly, it comes down to two things. Working harder than everyone else, and your mental attitude. Pre had them both. What a heart.
He died two months before inwas born. Always had knee problems from football, double acl repairs. Now almost 47 and did first 5k in 17:21. I am same size as pre. Interesting to see my body get faster. Knees feel great. Never stop
Steve Prefontaine was a GREAT athlete, he would have won Olympic medals, for that there is no doubt. "The best pace is a suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die." - Steve Prefontaine awe-inspiring
Hi Pat... My High School x-c and track treamates and I followed guys like you and Craig Virgin and Rob DeCastilla and Coe and Cram et.al. Back in the day, we COULDN'T WAIT for that monthly issue of Runner's World to show up or check the Monday USA today for meet/race results. You guys gave us a lot to talk about on our long runs!
VirenKickedPresAss, It is highly suspected that Viren blood doped, not illegal but highly frowned upon, during the 1972 Olympics. He was a great athlete but on a ethical scale he didn't run as fairly as other runners like Pre for example. He had great technique in his use of bend mathematics in his race though.
ill quote bill dellinger last words of a 1995 FOT track interview. "pre was by far the best runner this country has ever seen" he coached many great runners and was the last american to medal 5000m in an olym games. i'll trust opinion. prefontaine is the one USA dis runner that you measure yourself against. undefeated at hayward field at any distance over a mile. even his mile race losses he made entertaining by pushing the pace against runners in their specialty. need i say more fans @ critics?
lemme tell you ninjas about my man steve prefontaine, he be da badest runna in the world... killing viren was a quest, setting american records was a goal, but running. running was life.
![I am a champion - the greatest speech ever [ENG SUB]](/img/1.gif)
Pre died 20 years before I was born, but yet he is still a huge inspiration to me in terms of running, but even as a person. Pre lives FOREVER in the hearts of every single runner in the United States now and centuries to come. His spirit, personality, and most of all his attitude towards a race will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Steve Prefontaine.
I've been rewatching this video since cross country in highschool and now I'm 28. Love it
Pre, your my hero, your hanging on my wall so every time I wake up I remember to stay positive and to believe in myself. I love you Pre
Pre keeps me running. RIP. I'm not fast or the best, but keeping his spirit in mind gets me the distance.
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine
Indeed.
Life won't be the same Postfontaine
Love this. You need to be top comment
Thanks for the laugh lol
It never was. He would have won the gold in Montreal for sure!
@Richard Milliken Well, I am not a big Viren fan so I won't be convinced. Prefontaine was only 21 in Munich, far from the peak age for a distance runner. Not so sure given a second chance at Viren that he wouldn't have beat him in 1976. Sadly if he didn't win in 76 he would have had to sit out 1980 because of the boycott, when he probably would have been at his peak.
@Richard Milliken Pretty good analysis. The rumors surrounding Viren are one of the reasons I was not a big fan of his. Maybe he was innocent, but it always seemed a little curious to me that he really seemed to excel in the Olympics but not too much outside of the Olympics. As far as Prefontaine goes, I do think he might have lost a little motivation following the 1972 Olympics, but I am just speculating. It was a tough loss. He was still young however, so it is hard to say how he would have done in his late 20s and early 30s. I still remember the day when I heard the news of his death. So sad! I always admired him and his competitiveness!
It always gives me shivers watching Steve run...
My buddy Eddie and I worked the long jump pit at the San Diego Indoor Games in Spring of '75, and got to meet our idol, Pre.
It was after he won his race, and he handed us his spikes, and a watch he won for the win, while he took his victory lap. He made two 17 year old nobodies feel like a million bucks. I'll never forget that feeling as long as I live.
He died in that awful wreck not long after that night.
So sad.
I would try and run with that insane ferocity Pre had, that drive, but just did not have the talent or the courage to pull it off. What a warrior spirit he brought to distance running.
Never back off, never quit.
I am so grateful to have met the man, if only for a fleeting moment in time.
I get shivers every time I watch this video. Pre lives.
This was my go-to inspirational video when I was in college. It's been more than 10 years since I left college...
Pre ran with more guts than anyone else in the running world
Except everyone faster and tougher than him.
I was channel surfing one afternoon 11 years ago, happened upon "Without Limits". After watching I thought, "Why don't you get off your ass, start running again, get in shape, and do the best you can". Long story short, I dropped 40 lbs. got faster, enough to win/place in my age group in some races. I made the Pilgrimage to Pre's Rock, placing the running bib from my first victory on it, thanx to Steve Prefontaine.
Pre was a couple of years older than me. And yes, we all wanted to be milers like Ryun. He did make the 3 mile his own and probably would have set WRs in the marathon later. Go out there and do your best, we all have a little more to give if you dig a little deeper.
One lap, one more mile. "One more!" - Jason Pisano
Man I love that tune by Massive Attack. It is their incredible Song in the House MD Intro. Haunting Lyrics, timeless in their import. This is great Pre highlight Vid. Thanks so much.
I remember reading Pre's intense comments " They may beat me but they'll have to bleed to do it.
I remember hitting the wall many a time and struggling to get through it.
(When I did, I thought I ran with the Angels). That is how I would describe the runners high.)
its amazing to this day almost 30 years have gone by, he still inspires people. LONG LIVE PRE!
Great video!! Two of my favorite things, watching Pre run like crazy and listening to songs from Massive Attack..
New to running and was wondering why ppl in Portland were always talking about this guy, so I've been doing my homework. what an awesome community this is. Years later people are still coming on here to watch him run. Rip pre
Totally enjoyed the comments!!
No guts, no glory. Pre taught me that. R.I.P. brother.
Steve Prefontaine my new running idol, my new running motivation to get better
Gotta have HEART from the START; rip the world straight APART. Its the GIRTH of the EARTH, my dart will always hit its MARK.
Pre es un maestro, me cambio la vida desde que supe de el.Desde el cielo me ayuda en cada carrera y en cada paso que doy.
greatest runner. Never was afraid of a challenge
If you look up Beast Mode in the dictionary, his picture will be there.
He’s a legend l like his run style
It was one of the longest standing track & field records on the books... an incredible feat. Pre would be happy for Rupp if he were still alive today. Nothing can take away the guts that Pre brought to every race.
There can be only one. He was it.
Heroes get remembered but legends never die.
Hard to believe 45 years ago we lost arguably our best middle distance runners! He was an idol of mine growing up RIP Steve May 30th 1975!
A once great runner, he broke records and awed everybody with his talent. After all that he died suddenly in a car crash. We will miss Pre.
Gives me chills every time!
Pre is the reason why i keep running
Same here brother. I hope ur still running til this day
Cross country and Track are the BEST sports ever!!! Running is the very simple, but racing is complex. I'm glad the movies expressed that. Prefontaine was a great runner and one of my heros
I get really nervous before races, or even time trials. I know that in order to do well, it hurts. Watching this video rids me of my nerves and, in a way, prepares me for the pain.
I don't know who's watching this in 2024 or whatever but I'll say my words
This video got me through the grueling days of cross country and track. But beyond that, it felt like a way of life. The intensity. The buildup. Dominance.
This video is bittersweet -- a life gone early. Yet even with that life Prefontaine had, he went out with such a unique energy. And it perfect matches Massive Attack's Teardrop. Bittersweet...
Anyways, if you're a runner, you'll get it. Embrace the journey my friends and always come back to this video.
Jesus Christ, what a beautiful runner. Stunning.
Bro is a true legend. Inspires youngsters even today. Rip Goat! You redefined running. ❤❤
Those Guts...! I want more of them! ... Steve, you keep inspiring me.
His legacy will live forever, GO PRE!!!.
i got to seem him run the 2 mile at the sunkist indoor meet in los angeles in 1974. everyone were on their feet the whole time chanting "go pre, go pre". of course he blew the field away. next year he died.
Pre an inspiration to everything human, A Visionary ,an Artist , a man who found meaning in the persuit of extrodinary
I don't think Pre will ever be forgotten. But to say that Rupp will be a footnote 50 yrs from now? Rupp is still young and has done some amazing things on the track. I love everything that Pre stood for. They will both be remembered for their own reasons. I don't think it should be a competition for who is remembered more.
I always watch this before a race or to get motivated to run!
When I run and i think of Pre and his accomplishments and his inspiration It just makes me go faster and harder! Pre Lives!
My hero... Pre left it all.
Favoriting this so I can watch it before my runs.. pure inspiration.
he had a controlled crazy look. Like in the movie when he told bowerman he hated those other runners breathing down his neck. He ran to distance himselves from other runners by a large amount not just win at the end. Determination is putting it lightly.
Regardless of medals won, Rupp is a completely different athlete. There will never be another Prefontaine. Nobody has his guts. He didn't run on the kind of talent that Rupp has and he didn't have Salazar maximizing his talents. He ran with his heart and courage on cinder tracks. No one will ever be Pre. No one.
Great job with this video. just awesome to see Pre run.
Pre was THE BEST runner of his time, him losing at the olympics does not change that fact, it would be impossible for a runner to never lose! Pre was the most celebrated runner at 5000 who never lost at that distance in college! Viren was good but no one had what Pre had!
Naw bro, even though Rupp won a medal I'm sure Pre's legacy will be remembered more. He is still my favorite distance runner and most likely always be. Most of the motivation that I've acquired has come from him. RIP to both Pre and Pat Porter, who died not so long ago.
Thank you for re-uploading!!!!
steve prefonaine was amazing. its not about who starts out first or who wins, its about who finishes, who has the guts. He had enough heart to finish and with flying colors, he was made for running, he had the talent. Faster than any of my schools cross country teams times his high school years, including the seniors who have been running since like 4th grade. He is my inspiration for running and just because viren beat him doesnt mean in the long run(if Pre was still living)... cont.
Prefontaine Forever!!! Insane runner
Thank you for posting this special video
Pre lives! The greatest runner ever
Run Steve, Run!
Definitely Pre. Pre was in my opinion the toughest 5000 field of history. PreLives
i hate when people say "well, pre lost this, and pre lost that" pre is not an icon solely for his talent, but that with that talent on a world stage he displayed one of hell of a philosophy and charisma.
I watch this before every race or if I need motivation to run!!
There is Secretariat and there is Pre ! Two of the greatest runners ever
A great example of guts and mental toughness in a runner.
Rupp might have won a silver but Pre was definitely the better runner, Pre was so ahead of the American standard being able to set so many American records and he would have definitely gotten a medal the following Olympics if it wasn't for his accident.
RIP- PRE!!
Very well said! Pre Forever!
Steve Prefontaine is my hero!
Pre is one of my running heroes Go Pre!
I'm currently working on a graphic novel about Pre and I'll be launching the Kickstarter very soon.
47 yrs old, just ran mile to this vid. 5:24
I'm proud of you
good job with this video.. pre's legend will never die.
He is truly the legend of American distance running
awesome vid. he was a cold blooded all or nothing assassin. very motivating and inspiring to watch
How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other win races? All my life people have been telling me, 'You're too small Pre', 'You're not fast enough Pre', 'Give up your foolish dream Steve'. But they forgot something, I HAVE TO WIN.
I LOVE PRE!!!!! ONE OF MY HEROS!!!!! AMAZING GUY! WISH I COULD OF HAD THE EXPERIANCE TO MEET THE GUY OR EVEN RUN WITH HIM!
HIs stride was a joy to watch. His style was fluid.
I was a collegiate athlete. At that level, honestly, it comes down to two things. Working harder than everyone else, and your mental attitude. Pre had them both. What a heart.
this is the best video on youtube!
Thanks for posting - very interesting archive footage...
RUN STEVE RUN!
The best
Still come back for this video
He died two months before inwas born. Always had knee problems from football, double acl repairs. Now almost 47 and did first 5k in 17:21. I am same size as pre. Interesting to see my body get faster. Knees feel great. Never stop
Yes! Way to go Raymond!
Steve Prefontaine was a GREAT athlete, he would have won Olympic medals, for that there is no doubt.
"The best pace is a suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die."
- Steve Prefontaine
awe-inspiring
Thank you, Pre.
Legendary
Hi Pat... My High School x-c and track treamates and I followed guys like you and Craig Virgin and Rob DeCastilla and Coe and Cram et.al. Back in the day, we COULDN'T WAIT for that monthly issue of Runner's World to show up or check the Monday USA today for meet/race results. You guys gave us a lot to talk about on our long runs!
Amazing. It's 4am and now I want to run! Thanks.
he inspires me
He had so much potential. It's sad that he died at such a young age.
Major love.
My idol🐏🏃♂️
I am related to Steve Prefontaine
I'd give anything to have the guts PRE had. That can't be taught.
Admire his art
VirenKickedPresAss, It is highly suspected that Viren blood doped, not illegal but highly frowned upon, during the 1972 Olympics. He was a great athlete but on a ethical scale he didn't run as fairly as other runners like Pre for example. He had great technique in his use of bend mathematics in his race though.
ill quote bill dellinger last words of a 1995 FOT track interview. "pre was by far the best runner this country has ever seen" he coached many great runners and was the last american to medal 5000m in an olym games. i'll trust opinion. prefontaine is the one USA dis runner that you measure yourself against. undefeated at hayward field at any distance over a mile. even his mile race losses he made entertaining by pushing the pace against runners in their specialty. need i say more fans @ critics?
lemme tell you ninjas about my man steve prefontaine, he be da badest runna in the world... killing viren was a quest, setting american records was a goal, but running. running was life.
happy birthday pre #prelives
I just ran today after 11 and half years I was varsity I made it cause of God and believing just like pre Im BACK! I'M GREAT
Somebody may beat me today but they’re going to have to bleed to do it. Goddamn what a great saying.
Born before the techno age. His runs would be on every channel and commercial.
How can you not want to run to this steady tempo music?
Could you subscribe to my you tube channel i subbed to yours
"I have to go out hard and just about lead from the start."
Rupp just broke a legend. Hope he feels good about himself. PREFONTAINE is NUMBER ONE.