Steve Prefontaine, or "Pre," was impressed with the style and terrain of European cross country running courses while competing overseas.

Upon return from Europe, he suggested to local officials about building a running trail through Eugene's Alton Baker Park.

Within four months of Pre's death in an auto accident in 1975, the new trail served as venue to a memorial race of approximately five hundred participants in his honor.

Situated to the north of, and across the Willamette River from, the University of Oregon, Pre's Trail is enjoyed by a variety of recreational users in Eugene's urban core.

There are three main loops, with interlinking paths: Pre's Trail is located off Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, near Autzen Stadium.