Our hotel was just across the street from a beautiful park containing “Pre’s Trail.” Impressed with the cross country race courses and public trail systems in Europe, University of Oregon running legend and 1972 Olympian Steve Prefontaine suggested to local officials that a trail system be built in Eugene’s Alton Baker Park. Plans were in the works for the trail when Prefontaine was tragically killed on May 30, 1975. As a track aficionado, I always wanted to experience Pre’s trail. I knew it had to be part of this special trip with my with my daughter and grandson. Check out my post on the Olympic trials.

We walked at the park near “Pre’s Trail” every morning before going to the Olympic Trials at the new Hayward Field stadium.

The running trail is covered in soft wood chips and the area is just beautiful!

Click on this link to download a video link then click after it loads: Video of Vaughan and me walking near “Pre’s Trail” and talking about track.

Runners and non-runners love this park!

Being in Eugene for the Olympic Trials was special after they were cancelled last year due to COVID19.

The beautiful Willamette River next to Alton Baker Park and the University of Oregon.

Vaughan tested the trail!

Special moments connecting with my grandson!

The University’s Autzen Stadium is across from the park and seats up to 54,000 people for football games.

Stacy and I took a morning walk in the park before our flight back home. You can tell we lucked out on the weather as it was gorgeous! Vaughan was back in the room taking a morning online class.

Steve Prefontaine tragically died in a car accident at only 24 years old very close to Alton Baker Park in 1975. Even after all these years many fans of running still make a pilgrimage to ‘Pre’s Rock” memorial.

Photos: Dick Gentry. #’s 1-12. Not to be used without permission.