Steve Prefontaine Signed Program Cover

Steve Prefontaine, also known as “Pre”, remains one of the greatest and most influential distance runners in American history. Born and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon, Prefontaine first gained national recognition at Marshfield High School under coach Walt McClure, where he set a national high school record for the fastest two-mile ever run. His dominance made him one of the most highly recruited athletes in the country.

He continued his remarkable career at the University of Oregon, competing under renowned coaches Bill Bowerman and Bill Dellinger. On the international stage, Prefontaine represented the United States at the 1972 Munich Olympics, where he finished 4th in the 5,000 meters. At the time of his tragic death in a car accident in 1975 at just 24 years old, Prefontaine held every American record from 2,000 to 10,000 meters, underscoring the extraordinary scope of his achievements.

This official program is from the 11th Annual San Francisco Examiner Games, an indoor track and field meet held on February 1, 1974, at the Cow Palace. Prefontaine won the featured three-mile event that evening, competing before a capacity crowd of 13,822 spectators.

The program has been signed by Prefontaine in ballpoint pen and authenticated by PSA. It remains in very good condition, with a small tear noted at the bottom left corner. The front cover features Prefontaine alongside fellow athletes Steve Williams and Rod Milburn, while the reverse highlights Fanie Van Zijl, Marcello Fiasconaro, Hailu Ebba, and Miruts Yifter.