Coos Bay, Ore. (May 21, 2020) The Prefontaine Foundation has announced that due to COVID-19 guidelines and concerns, the group has cancelled this year’s Prefontaine Memorial Run, which had been scheduled for September 19 in Coos Bay. According to Executive Director of the Foundation, Bob Huggins, “This would have been the 41st year for our event, and though we regret the necessity of the cancellation, our foremost concern is to safeguard the wellbeing of our participants, volunteers, and those who gather to watch and cheer on the walkers and runners. Refunds will be automatically made to those who have already registered for the run.” The Prefontaine Memorial Run had been selected this year as the official location of the Road Runners Club of America National Championship 10K Race. According to Huggins, that organization has stated that they will award that distinction to next year’s run. “We look forward to September 18, 2021, when we plan to once again invite runners to take part in our premier event to honor our hometown hero, Steve Prefontaine, his celebrated running career and his memory,” says Huggins. Projects of the Prefontaine Foundation, made possible by generous sponsors and proceeds of the run, include grants to support track and cross country programs at Coos County-wide high schools, an annual scholarships made to outstanding local high school seniors participating in track or cross country; and the Pre Track Club, a summer training program held at Marshfield High School in Coos Bay. Sponsors this year are: Nike, Pacific Properties, Tower Motor Company, Banner Bank, Vend West Services, Farr’s Hardware and North Bend Medical Center. More information about the run and the Prefontaine Foundation is available by contacting Bob Huggins at 541-297-0230 or visiting the website www.prefontainerun.com.
