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The Front Runner: The Life of Steve Prefontaine
""Sports journalism at its finest, a book so well-researched that everyone who thinks they know Pre is in for a big surprise.” —Christopher McDougall, bestselling author of Born to Run
On the 50th anniversary of American Track and Field icon Steve Prefontaine’s tragic death comes an essential reappraisal of his life and legacy, a powerful work of narrative history exploring the forces and psychology that made Prefontaine great and separating the man from the myths.
In the fifty years since his tragic death in a car crash, Steve Prefontaine has towered over American distance running. One of the most recognizable and charismatic figures to ever run competitively in the United States, Prefontaine has endured as a source of inspiration and fascination—a talent who presaged the American running boom of the late 1970s and helped put Nike on the map as the brand’s first celebrity-athlete face.
Now on the anniversary of his untimely death, author Brendan O’Meara, host of the Creative Nonfiction podcast, offers a fresh, definitive retelling of Prefontaine’s life, revisiting one of the most enigmatic figures in American sports with a twenty-first-century lens. Through over a hundred and fifty original interviews with family, friends, teammates, and competitors, this long-overdue reappraisal of Prefontaine—the first such exhaustive treatment in almost thirty years—provides never-before-told stories about the unique talent, innovative mental strength, and personal struggles that shaped Prefontaine on and off the track. Bringing new depth to an athlete long eclipsed by his brash, aggressive running style and the heartbreak of his death at twenty-four, O’Meara finds the man inside the myth, scrutinizing a legacy that has shaped American sports culture for decades.
What emerges is a singular portrait of a distinctly American talent, a story written in the pines and firs of the Pacific Northwest back when running was more blue-collar love than corporate pursuit—the story of a runner whose short life casts a long, fast shadow.
On the 50th anniversary of American Track and Field icon Steve Prefontaine’s tragic death comes an essential reappraisal of his life and legacy, a powerful work of narrative history exploring the forces and psychology that made Prefontaine great and separating the man from the myths.
In the fifty years since his tragic death in a car crash, Steve Prefontaine has towered over American distance running. One of the most recognizable and charismatic figures to ever run competitively in the United States, Prefontaine has endured as a source of inspiration and fascination—a talent who presaged the American running boom of the late 1970s and helped put Nike on the map as the brand’s first celebrity-athlete face.
Now on the anniversary of his untimely death, author Brendan O’Meara, host of the Creative Nonfiction podcast, offers a fresh, definitive retelling of Prefontaine’s life, revisiting one of the most enigmatic figures in American sports with a twenty-first-century lens. Through over a hundred and fifty original interviews with family, friends, teammates, and competitors, this long-overdue reappraisal of Prefontaine—the first such exhaustive treatment in almost thirty years—provides never-before-told stories about the unique talent, innovative mental strength, and personal struggles that shaped Prefontaine on and off the track. Bringing new depth to an athlete long eclipsed by his brash, aggressive running style and the heartbreak of his death at twenty-four, O’Meara finds the man inside the myth, scrutinizing a legacy that has shaped American sports culture for decades.
What emerges is a singular portrait of a distinctly American talent, a story written in the pines and firs of the Pacific Northwest back when running was more blue-collar love than corporate pursuit—the story of a runner whose short life casts a long, fast shadow.
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Published May 20, 2025
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About the author
Brendan O'Meara
3 books10 followersBrendan O'Meara is the host of The Creative Nonfiction Podcast and author of Six Weeks in Saratoga. Due out for 2025, The The Front Runner: Steve Prefontaine and the Dawn of the Modern Athlete (Mariner Books).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 15, 2025
Steve Prefontaine holds an almost godlike status in the sport of track and field. This despite the fact that he did not win a medal of any type in the one Olympics event in which he competed as Olympic medals are usually the standard by which the legend of a runner will be set. This book by Brendan O’Meara, published 50 years after his tragic death at age 24 in a car accident, does a fantastic job of describing WHY “”Pre”, as he was called by his many fans, attained such status and also delves into his short life in great detail.
Prefontaine’s early life was marked by divorce and abuse but there was a special bond between him and his half sister Neta (he also has a full blooded sister Linda) in which Neta protected the younger Steve. When Neta left home, Steve started running and from that time Steve was a running machine. In junior and senior high school, Steve very rarely lost a race, was maniacal about his training and his goal and was brash enough to announce what records he’ll break and what he will do (strategy) to accomplish this.
It helped that aside from travel for international meets, Steve’s residence his entire life was in Oregon, a state where track and field is as important a sport as football is in Texas or basketball is in Indiana. His high school career, as well as that at the University of Oregon, is covered in great detail by O’Meara. This is aided by the many fascinating stories that friends, teammates and opponents of Prefontaine shared.
It should also be noted that Prefontaine was the first star athlete featured by an upstart shoe company making mostly running shoes with a new name: Nike. Long before Michael Jordan, Phil Knight realized the power that a star like Prefontaine would bring to sales and O’Meara gives the reader a good portrayal of that aspect of Prefontaine and the start of the Nike brand with its famous “swoosh.” It’s called that because it’s the sound of a runner passing by others.
The one Olympics event for Steve, the 5000 meters, was and still is considered both a triumph and a defeat. The latter, of course, because he finished fourth and out of medal contention. But given his strong running that briefly gave him the lead and the will to exert himself so much when his body was not cooperating was considered to be greatness seen and upon reflection, he took that view away. This is in line with the training and runs he would do regularly. The description of these is another excellent aspect of the book.
Readers already knowledgeable about Prefontaine, whether old enough to have seen him or through hearing stories about him, might be familiar with much of the material, but not matter one’s knowledge or fandom of “Pre”, this is a book that is well worth the time to read about a runner whose name still represents greatness 50 years after his death.
I wish to thank Mariner Books for providing a copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
Prefontaine’s early life was marked by divorce and abuse but there was a special bond between him and his half sister Neta (he also has a full blooded sister Linda) in which Neta protected the younger Steve. When Neta left home, Steve started running and from that time Steve was a running machine. In junior and senior high school, Steve very rarely lost a race, was maniacal about his training and his goal and was brash enough to announce what records he’ll break and what he will do (strategy) to accomplish this.
It helped that aside from travel for international meets, Steve’s residence his entire life was in Oregon, a state where track and field is as important a sport as football is in Texas or basketball is in Indiana. His high school career, as well as that at the University of Oregon, is covered in great detail by O’Meara. This is aided by the many fascinating stories that friends, teammates and opponents of Prefontaine shared.
It should also be noted that Prefontaine was the first star athlete featured by an upstart shoe company making mostly running shoes with a new name: Nike. Long before Michael Jordan, Phil Knight realized the power that a star like Prefontaine would bring to sales and O’Meara gives the reader a good portrayal of that aspect of Prefontaine and the start of the Nike brand with its famous “swoosh.” It’s called that because it’s the sound of a runner passing by others.
The one Olympics event for Steve, the 5000 meters, was and still is considered both a triumph and a defeat. The latter, of course, because he finished fourth and out of medal contention. But given his strong running that briefly gave him the lead and the will to exert himself so much when his body was not cooperating was considered to be greatness seen and upon reflection, he took that view away. This is in line with the training and runs he would do regularly. The description of these is another excellent aspect of the book.
Readers already knowledgeable about Prefontaine, whether old enough to have seen him or through hearing stories about him, might be familiar with much of the material, but not matter one’s knowledge or fandom of “Pre”, this is a book that is well worth the time to read about a runner whose name still represents greatness 50 years after his death.
I wish to thank Mariner Books for providing a copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
July 12, 2025
For those who don’t know, Steve Prefontaine is one of my idols when it comes to the sport of running. The way he had a chokehold on American Sports is something that the running scene hasn’t been able to accomplish decades after his passing, and to this day he still one of the most memorable runners in the history of the sport.
That being said, this was a wonderful biography for someone who has nerded out over this man’s accomplishments. You get so much more context in to Prefontaine’s races, rivalries seen and unseen, and even the landscape of amateur athletes and Olympic politics in the 1970s. I think this book does such a beautiful job of capturing Pre’s spirit, his competitiveness, showmanship, and unshakable self belief. It even opens us up to so many unheard stories like the way his parents abused him in youth and the ways in which he would strive to beat his goals. Again, he was an athlete like no other
But with that all being said, it has its limitations. If you think you’ll get a complex, critical examination of Pre, then you’re gonna find this book to be lacking. The author never hits on some of Pre’s flaws as a person, he just glosses over it a lot which I think could’ve made a more nuanced portrait of both the athlete and the man.
It sucks though that we won’t ever get to know deep down how he felt in some of his biggest races, or the mental gymnastics of dealing with fame and success due to his unfortunate, untimely death. So, even though it stops short of offering the complete picture of the man behind the myth, it still is a great insight read for distance peeps.
That being said, this was a wonderful biography for someone who has nerded out over this man’s accomplishments. You get so much more context in to Prefontaine’s races, rivalries seen and unseen, and even the landscape of amateur athletes and Olympic politics in the 1970s. I think this book does such a beautiful job of capturing Pre’s spirit, his competitiveness, showmanship, and unshakable self belief. It even opens us up to so many unheard stories like the way his parents abused him in youth and the ways in which he would strive to beat his goals. Again, he was an athlete like no other
But with that all being said, it has its limitations. If you think you’ll get a complex, critical examination of Pre, then you’re gonna find this book to be lacking. The author never hits on some of Pre’s flaws as a person, he just glosses over it a lot which I think could’ve made a more nuanced portrait of both the athlete and the man.
It sucks though that we won’t ever get to know deep down how he felt in some of his biggest races, or the mental gymnastics of dealing with fame and success due to his unfortunate, untimely death. So, even though it stops short of offering the complete picture of the man behind the myth, it still is a great insight read for distance peeps.
July 13, 2025
Humanizing the more-than-human legend that has become of Pre
June 10, 2025
4 1/2 ⭐️s … this is easily the most comprehensive biography of Steve Prefontaine. It is well researched. He obviously conducted extensive interviews with those in Pre’s life that knew him best. He has done a great job of fleshing out the man behind the myth. I have read quite a bit about Pre and this book unearthed facts and stories I did not know. I found it a bit slow in spots, so I marked it down 1/2 star, otherwise an excellent read
December 11, 2025
A nicely told, updated story on the life and career of Prefontaine. Even if you’ve read all the books, watched all the movies, you’ll find new backstories and personal anecdotes not previously released to the public. The book offers a well constructed timeline of his career. While some races are just told through results, others are very detailed. With back story and creative writing, it can feel as if you’re in the race, which is a great and not easy feeling to convey in a book about running.
Some language was a bit lackluster, specifically the word “cooked” being used so often, sometimes multiple times in the same page/paragraph. But a small detail.
It’s definitely a great book for a fan of Prefontaine, 1970’s running, or anyone looking for a little kick in the rear to get them motivated for their next run.
Some language was a bit lackluster, specifically the word “cooked” being used so often, sometimes multiple times in the same page/paragraph. But a small detail.
It’s definitely a great book for a fan of Prefontaine, 1970’s running, or anyone looking for a little kick in the rear to get them motivated for their next run.
September 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about Pre the runner and the person
November 14, 2025
Audiobook
July 13, 2025
Steve Prefontaine was such legend. Long live the king
June 28, 2025
The Front Runner: The Life of Steve Prefontaine by Brendan O'Meara
Published on 5/20/2025
Audiobook narrated by Roger Wayne
As a runner based in Oregon, how could I say no to this audiobook?
Steve "Pre" Prefontaine is one of the iconic athletes Oregon has ever produced. Like James Dean, he was young, handsome and drove too fast. Like James Dean, he died at age 24 in a car crash. There is acute sadness and loss of potential for those who leaves us unexpectedly well before their prime. At the time of his death, Pre was breaking all sorts of middle distance track records and preparing his second Olympics when he passed.
His life is also intwined with Bill Bowerman and the rise of Nike, one of the most well-known of Oregon companies.
So there is a lot to be discussed in a life of Steve Prefontaine. He was also opinionated and not camera shy. This book was published 50 years after his passing and perfect for those who wants to know more about Pre. The book is chronologically organized and easy to follow. The audiobook is also easy to listen to.
I have lived and run in Oregon for a number of years though, being fascinated by Pre like many others. I have watched the film "Without Limits," a biopic starring Billy Crudup and Donald Sutherland. I listened to Frank Shorter's audiobook, "My Marathon." So I have already had a general knowledge about his life to the point I didn't feel I learned many new things from this book personally.
However, I believe he is a fascinating character and hope many younger runners would pick up this book to learn about Pre.
An advanced copy of this audiobook was provided courtesy of NetGalley and Harper Audio Adult. Thank you so much!
Published on 5/20/2025
Audiobook narrated by Roger Wayne
As a runner based in Oregon, how could I say no to this audiobook?
Steve "Pre" Prefontaine is one of the iconic athletes Oregon has ever produced. Like James Dean, he was young, handsome and drove too fast. Like James Dean, he died at age 24 in a car crash. There is acute sadness and loss of potential for those who leaves us unexpectedly well before their prime. At the time of his death, Pre was breaking all sorts of middle distance track records and preparing his second Olympics when he passed.
His life is also intwined with Bill Bowerman and the rise of Nike, one of the most well-known of Oregon companies.
So there is a lot to be discussed in a life of Steve Prefontaine. He was also opinionated and not camera shy. This book was published 50 years after his passing and perfect for those who wants to know more about Pre. The book is chronologically organized and easy to follow. The audiobook is also easy to listen to.
I have lived and run in Oregon for a number of years though, being fascinated by Pre like many others. I have watched the film "Without Limits," a biopic starring Billy Crudup and Donald Sutherland. I listened to Frank Shorter's audiobook, "My Marathon." So I have already had a general knowledge about his life to the point I didn't feel I learned many new things from this book personally.
However, I believe he is a fascinating character and hope many younger runners would pick up this book to learn about Pre.
An advanced copy of this audiobook was provided courtesy of NetGalley and Harper Audio Adult. Thank you so much!
July 21, 2025
(Audio)
5 Stars for the research and writing of the book itself.
2 Stars for the production of the audio.
I was inspired to pick this book up after reading Phil Knights "Shoe Dog" because he talks about Pre and how he fits into the Nike's beginnings. I was curious to learn more about one of Oregon's most famous athletes.
As for the book itself, I'm impressed with the amount of specific information about who was racing on a specific day and what their times were, etc. Our author must have spent so much time talking to people who were there in person and remembered the events. I personally found some of the race details tedious but that's just me. Overall, I appreciated the time spent on researching the life and death of Steve Prefontaine and I walked away with a much better understanding of the man and the time in which he lived.
As for the audio of this story, I was NOT impressed. The producer should have, at the very least, consulted an Oregonian on the pronunciation of various locations and people. It grated on me that our narrator pronounced Willamette as Willa-mut, butte as butt (like, a dozen times), Ken Kesey as Kessy and Eugene as YOU-gene. There were others but these are the ones that stood out to me as I'm writing this review (a few days later).
5 Stars for the research and writing of the book itself.
2 Stars for the production of the audio.
I was inspired to pick this book up after reading Phil Knights "Shoe Dog" because he talks about Pre and how he fits into the Nike's beginnings. I was curious to learn more about one of Oregon's most famous athletes.
As for the book itself, I'm impressed with the amount of specific information about who was racing on a specific day and what their times were, etc. Our author must have spent so much time talking to people who were there in person and remembered the events. I personally found some of the race details tedious but that's just me. Overall, I appreciated the time spent on researching the life and death of Steve Prefontaine and I walked away with a much better understanding of the man and the time in which he lived.
As for the audio of this story, I was NOT impressed. The producer should have, at the very least, consulted an Oregonian on the pronunciation of various locations and people. It grated on me that our narrator pronounced Willamette as Willa-mut, butte as butt (like, a dozen times), Ken Kesey as Kessy and Eugene as YOU-gene. There were others but these are the ones that stood out to me as I'm writing this review (a few days later).
July 28, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for providing me with an ALC of The Front Runner, written by Brendan O'Meara and narrated by Roger Wayne.
5 stars for book / 3 stars for audiobook
On the 50th anniversary of American Track and Field icon Steve Prefontaine’s tragic death comes an essential reappraisal of his life and legacy, a powerful work of narrative history exploring the forces and psychology that made Prefontaine great and separating the man from the myths. This audiobook was incredibly researched and provided copious amounts of information about Steve Prefontaine's life that even the most avid runners and his most avid fans may not have known. It is glaringly obvious that not only was a lot of care and attention placed into the research and writing of this book, but the author has great respect for Mr. Prefontaine and his accomplishments. Truly a must-read for all those in the running community.
The audiobook was a bit less impressive, to be fair. There were several mispronunciations, and the production just felt a bit lackluster. Overall, it was a fine audiobook, but I feel those truly interested in this story may enjoy a physical copy of this book instead. Overall, a fair audiobook.
5 stars for book / 3 stars for audiobook
On the 50th anniversary of American Track and Field icon Steve Prefontaine’s tragic death comes an essential reappraisal of his life and legacy, a powerful work of narrative history exploring the forces and psychology that made Prefontaine great and separating the man from the myths. This audiobook was incredibly researched and provided copious amounts of information about Steve Prefontaine's life that even the most avid runners and his most avid fans may not have known. It is glaringly obvious that not only was a lot of care and attention placed into the research and writing of this book, but the author has great respect for Mr. Prefontaine and his accomplishments. Truly a must-read for all those in the running community.
The audiobook was a bit less impressive, to be fair. There were several mispronunciations, and the production just felt a bit lackluster. Overall, it was a fine audiobook, but I feel those truly interested in this story may enjoy a physical copy of this book instead. Overall, a fair audiobook.
July 25, 2025
Ask a runner who their favorite runner is, you're bound to get a lot of "Steve Prefontaine" as an answer. At the very least, most runners know who he is. Pre is probably my favorite runner of all time, so getting my hands on this book was not even a question.
The love I have for this book is unmatched. As a runner, I felt the runner's high every time Steve ran a race, whether it be a normal high school meet or even the 5,000m at the 1972 Olympics. O'Meara's writing, coupled with the pure guts Steve brought to every race, sets this book ablaze. Even when we know the outcome, there's that bit of hope whenever I read a race of Steve's.
O'Meara's account of Steve Prefontaine is just... beautiful! I found myself blinking back tears and getting to know Steve on a more personal level. Not only does O'Meara give us an intense look at Pre, we also get a crash-course in the running/track and field environment at the time, and the ways Pre tried to advocate for American amateurs. The labor of love in writing this biography is apparent throughout.
Steve died 50 years ago... 50! And at the young age of 24, no less. After all this time, we wonder what Steve could have further accomplished. Even though Pre came to an unfortunate and abrupt end, his advocacy for athletes and love for the grit of running is still felt to this day. #PreLives
The love I have for this book is unmatched. As a runner, I felt the runner's high every time Steve ran a race, whether it be a normal high school meet or even the 5,000m at the 1972 Olympics. O'Meara's writing, coupled with the pure guts Steve brought to every race, sets this book ablaze. Even when we know the outcome, there's that bit of hope whenever I read a race of Steve's.
O'Meara's account of Steve Prefontaine is just... beautiful! I found myself blinking back tears and getting to know Steve on a more personal level. Not only does O'Meara give us an intense look at Pre, we also get a crash-course in the running/track and field environment at the time, and the ways Pre tried to advocate for American amateurs. The labor of love in writing this biography is apparent throughout.
Steve died 50 years ago... 50! And at the young age of 24, no less. After all this time, we wonder what Steve could have further accomplished. Even though Pre came to an unfortunate and abrupt end, his advocacy for athletes and love for the grit of running is still felt to this day. #PreLives
August 9, 2025
The Front Runner succeeds in resurrecting the man from the myth, in reminding the reader that behind "Pre" was always Steve, someone full of life, deeply human, and uniquely resonant, both in and outside the sport, with the people who knew him best and with his fans cheering him on from the stands. I was slow to take to this book, not being particularly interested in the opening section on Pre's upbringing. But once Pre got to college, developed as an individual, and really found his voice, I couldn't put the book down.
As a cross country and track runner in high school, I grew up idolizing Pre in a way many young distance runners still do today. What this book gave me was a more mature appreciation for Pre's perspective on life and how and why we run. The records and charisma and cool factor Pre brought to the sport of distance running matter little to me now. It is the meaning, beauty, and privilege he found in the act that will forever live in my soul as a runner.
As a cross country and track runner in high school, I grew up idolizing Pre in a way many young distance runners still do today. What this book gave me was a more mature appreciation for Pre's perspective on life and how and why we run. The records and charisma and cool factor Pre brought to the sport of distance running matter little to me now. It is the meaning, beauty, and privilege he found in the act that will forever live in my soul as a runner.
August 11, 2025
A great biography that tells the story of Steve, the man, rather than Pre the legend. Although his feats on the track were legendary, the man who completed the feats was more than the larger than life track running robot that sometimes it comes off as with the common narrative. Even though I was familiar with Pre's tragic end, the cpmplexity that made him who he was before that night is often overlooked. I especially liked how the author did nkt spend each page foreshadowing the end, rather the story was able to breathe and the reader got to know the subject without the constant foreboding.
As a track fan, it was great getting to know who Pre was on and off the track and how he became one of the most influential men in modern track. This is a must read for any sport fan or person looking for insporation to tackle any goal in life.
As a track fan, it was great getting to know who Pre was on and off the track and how he became one of the most influential men in modern track. This is a must read for any sport fan or person looking for insporation to tackle any goal in life.
June 6, 2025
Thanks to Brendan O’Meara, Marine Books, and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Steve Prefontaine was a larger-than-life personality that burst upon the emerging running scene of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.
While this is a story about “Pre”, it is also the story of a legendary track coach, the emergence of Nike, the stranglehold the AAU had on athletes, the 1972 Olympics, and the relationship a track star had with his hometown and home state fans.
Well researched, and with extensive footnotes, this is a great read for anyone interested in Steve Prefontaine (obviously), track and field, Nike, Oregon, or just a well written book about a very interesting person. Recommended.
Steve Prefontaine was a larger-than-life personality that burst upon the emerging running scene of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.
While this is a story about “Pre”, it is also the story of a legendary track coach, the emergence of Nike, the stranglehold the AAU had on athletes, the 1972 Olympics, and the relationship a track star had with his hometown and home state fans.
Well researched, and with extensive footnotes, this is a great read for anyone interested in Steve Prefontaine (obviously), track and field, Nike, Oregon, or just a well written book about a very interesting person. Recommended.
October 5, 2025
I was so happy to see another book about Pre had come out! This was great- seemed to me to be more unfiltered than I remember the last book on his life being but that was a number of years ago that I read the others. This included the unfiltered conversations, curse words and all, that seemed to have been part of his life. I wish I had been alive to see him run but at times the book made me feel like I was watching some of the old races I’ve seen footage of. I enjoyed the inclusion of his influence in Nike and the ending of the AAU’s influence. The Nike part I had largely forgotten from “Shoe Dog”, another great book.
Great book about an important figure in American sports that is largely forgotten by non-track fans.
Great book about an important figure in American sports that is largely forgotten by non-track fans.
June 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Even before I began my running hobby last year I’ve fed my curiosity of the sport through books. Prefontaine’s name popped up here and there but I otherwise knew little of him.
O’Meara creates a human in his writing of this god-like figure in the sport, describing not just the accolades but also the ego that accompanied them. A truly fascinating read of a previous generation’s sporting hero, culminating in his untimely demise.
The audiobook is a solid work of narration. I would definitely listen to more nonfiction narrated by Roger Wayne.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Even before I began my running hobby last year I’ve fed my curiosity of the sport through books. Prefontaine’s name popped up here and there but I otherwise knew little of him.
O’Meara creates a human in his writing of this god-like figure in the sport, describing not just the accolades but also the ego that accompanied them. A truly fascinating read of a previous generation’s sporting hero, culminating in his untimely demise.
The audiobook is a solid work of narration. I would definitely listen to more nonfiction narrated by Roger Wayne.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.
July 11, 2025
I’ve been running (longer distances and certainly slower speeds) for several years so I kind of knew of Pre before this book, but I’m so glad I picked it up and learned more.
He must have been a captivating runner and more captivating personality, and it’s interesting to think about how he could’ve helped really change the landscape of amateur sports even more than he did had he lived a long life. Most interesting, though, is that people who knew him maintain he went all out with everthing he did.
To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.
July 14, 2025
This is a very poorly written book, but it hardly matters as the subject is so interesting. I didn’t think I could learn any more about the Munich Olympics, but I did! The stadium was called die Bratpfanne (frying pan) for how poorly designed it was for athletes and spectators. Also, Bill Bowerman does not come off very well: the author has portrayed him as an insensitive and offensive man who battled with Phil Knight and tortured his runners. I do want to see Pre’s Rock the next time I’m in Eugene.
September 17, 2025
I don't really like running or watching people run, but reading this book had me on the edge of my seat with its description of races from half a century ago. But more than that, it had me laughing and crying at the short but impactful life of Steve Prefontaine. O'Meara leaves no stone unturned in his exhaustive research, interviewing many, many people about Steve and his legacy. It's not only a fun look at an interesting time in sports history, it will also change how you view today's athletes and the blurring of the line between amateur and professional.
October 29, 2025
This book delivers the answer for a question that I had for several years. Why an athlete that didn’t win an Olympic medal or made a world record was so revered? The book give the full answer to that question and show you the guts Prefontaine had. Indelible mark on the sport history.
I gave just 4 starts because in the book is mentioned to times Colombia (the country) as Columbia (the US district).
It’s Colombia not Columbia.
I gave just 4 starts because in the book is mentioned to times Colombia (the country) as Columbia (the US district).
It’s Colombia not Columbia.
December 7, 2025
In the worlds nerdiest sport, there once lived one singular bada$$. That was Steve Prefontaine. Forged from a tough upbringing he went on to break every conceivable distance record. Not only was he a fighter in sport, he also spoke against the war, as well as the corrupt amatuer athletics system. Most surprising to me was the unsolved mystery around the car accident of his death, and learning that he may have been swirving to avoid another car.
December 22, 2025
Wow I loved this book! I know Pre’s story at a high level, but this book really unlocked him for me and showed the beauty of racing. Thinking of each race as an individual story and the balance of strategy and always giving your best. I loved following Pre’s growth and his relentless desire to run fast while also questioning what it’s all for. This was a fantastic running book, but it focused on Steve the man too. Incredible work of literature. A true encapsulation of him
June 10, 2025
Finally, an authoritative biography on Steve Prefontaine that has some meat to it.
This book could have been mailed in because it would have sold based on Pre’s name alone and the fact there is limited writing on his life despite being one of the most recognizable names in running but O’Meara has crafted a truly genuine enjoyable book with great detail.
This book could have been mailed in because it would have sold based on Pre’s name alone and the fact there is limited writing on his life despite being one of the most recognizable names in running but O’Meara has crafted a truly genuine enjoyable book with great detail.
June 21, 2025
I talked a lot about this book as I was reading it, which is always a good sign. I learned a lot more than I could have ever wondered about Steve Prefontaine. Sometimes it felt like more details than I cared for, which is possibly a sign that the author doesn't appreciate what makes a good story, and is just including every detail they unearthed.
October 18, 2025
A very engaging biography of the great Steve Prefontaine. What an amazing distance runner he was whose life was cut short by a car accident. Who knows what more he might have been able to accomplish had he not died so young. I love that he was from Oregon and never lost his love of the state and his hometown of Coos Bay.
December 4, 2025
Amazing read for a former distance runner who grew up in the cult of Pre under my HS XC coach. Lots of detail on workouts, pace, rivalries etc. Well researched bio.
For the lay person it may be a bit boring at times. But its a nice profile of the fascinating albeit brief life of a great PNW athlete/icon.
For the lay person it may be a bit boring at times. But its a nice profile of the fascinating albeit brief life of a great PNW athlete/icon.
June 15, 2025
Do NOT get the audiobook unless you can handle the Narrator mispronouncing the names of towns and even how to pronounce OREGON. Yes, the Narrator can’t pronounce the state correctly. Am I the only one, who when they think of Pre, they think of Oregon? DNF.
July 16, 2025
I thought the author captured *all* of his subject, the legend on the track and the young Oregon guy who liked to hang out and party with his friends off it. Really appreciated the lack of hagiography.
July 19, 2025
I thought I knew about all there was to know about Pre, at least info interesting enough to put in print. I was wrong. Saw a different side of him. Much was the same, but there was enough new info to make this very much worth the read! Highly recommend to any running fan!
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