Coos Bay, Oregon:  South Coast Gem and Home of Running Legend Prefontaine

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Coos Bay, Oregon:  South Coast Gem and Home of Running Legend Prefontaine


New documentary “Pre’s People”

The Southern Oregon Coast is a should see go to for vacationers trying to escape into natures rugged magnificence with solitude.  Miles of sand dunes, seashores and coastal waterways are nestled in between towering Douglas Fir Trees. It’s not solely a spot for vacationers to expertise the pure sounds of the waves and wildlife, however to stroll or run within the footsteps of American lengthy distance operating legend Steve “Pre” Prefontaine.

To perceive and admire how Pre grew to become an iconic operating sensation, setting American Records in each distance between 2,000 and 10,000 meters within the early 1970’s; making an inspiring effort within the 1972 Munich Olympics; and being a a number of NCAA observe and cross nation champion in a number of distances whereas on the U of O, it is advisable to begin from the place he was born.

Pre grew up within the small Southern Oregon coastal city of Coos Bay. The pure setting performed a major function in his coaching…making him a bodily and mentally robust runner as he typically practiced on the hills, dunes and seashores of his hometown.

Where to Stay

Find family-friendly lodging in Coos Bay, Oregon from conventional inns to non-public trip leases by Stay22.com:

Pre’s upbringing among the many blue-collar logging and fishing group gave him a robust work-ethic. His coaches at Marshfield High School took benefit of the areas difficult environment as he ran numerous miles over the hills, back-roads, logging roads and naturally the dunes and seashores. Those fishing boats, delivery ports and remnants of the wooden mills may be skilled on the paved trails and sidewalks alongside Highway 101 North/Bayshore Drive and Anderson Ave., all the way in which to The Mill Casino on Bayshore Drive close to Clark Street. Be positive to take a look at the Coos History and Maritime Museum and outlets on Front Street alongside the waterfront.

While the Coos Bay waterfront performed because the backdrop to Pre’s operating grounds, in-town he might be seen tackling the steep hills of North tenth avenue and flying by the dust trails of close by Mingus Park. This park is a superb spot for a nature stroll within the fantastically manicured Oriental flower gardens, or a spot for the youngsters to burn off some vitality on the playgrounds.

Pre’s most difficult coaching got here within the sand dunes close to Horsfall Beach. His coaches would drop him and his cross nation teammates off both within the dunes or the lengthy, windy seaside to check their psychological toughness and endurance. In later years, athletes from Pre’s alma mater, Marshfield High School, would do the identical…together with having their cross nation races on the scenic and iconic Sunset Beach exterior of Charleston. Further down the highway, vacationers will expertise the visually gorgeous cliffs and crashing waves at Shore Acres State Park and Botanical Gardens viewpoint.

If vacationers actually wish to get a way of life and sights round Coos Bay, particularly throughout Prefontaine’s  early years, take a look at the brand new documentary “Pre’s People.”  This movie not solely offers a recent take a look at Prefontaine for operating followers, however can also be pre-cursor to vacationers wanting to go to Pre’s hometown.   The film-makers discovered never-seen-before pictures and residential motion pictures of Pre, plus interviewed over 50 of his teammates, opponents, coaches and buddies who shared never-told-before tales.  It is now obtainable on Vimeo by the web site:  www.prespeoplemovie.com

A portion of the film proceeds go in the direction of Pre’s highschool alma mater, Marshfield, for his or her observe and cross nation applications. View the trailer right here: https://youtu.be/avUGpTvy5rE

For extra landmarks, websites and data on Pre, take a look at the next areas.  In the meantime, benefit from the lovely runners wonderland and native residents that have been a part of Pre’s roots, in Coos Bay, Oregon!

Prefontaine Must See Sites:

  • Marshfield High School Track (Pre’s Track) – 972 Ingersoll Ave, Coos Bay, OR
  • Mingus Park (Running trails & hills) – Commercial Ave. & N. 10 St, Coos Bay, OR
  • Coos Bay Visitors Center (Pre Memorial Statue) – 50 Central Ave, Coos Bay, OR
  • Prefontaine Painting Mural – 275 South Broadway Street, Coos Bay, OR
  • Coos Art Museum (Prefontaine Exhbit) – 235 Anderson Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420
  • Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery (Pre’s burial website) – 63060 Millington Frontage Rd, Coos Bay, OR 97420/
  • Horsfall Beach & Dunes (Pre’s coaching grounds)

Road Trips for Families visited many of those websites. Read extra about every location and see pictures on this story: https://www.roadtripsforfamilies.com/visiting-key-prefontaine-sites-oregon/

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