A film by Brian McLawhorn and Randolph Benson

Free Screenings: Friday, May 27 at 5:00pm and at 6:00pm (prior to the Prefontaine Classic Track Meet that starts at 7:00pm; the film is 30 minutes in length)

Location: Crater Lake Room North, Room 146, ERB Memorial Union Building [300 meters from Hayward Field]

Reserve free tickets here: thechurchofpre.com

This is the premier screening at UO of a documentary film about the legendary University of Oregon long distance runner Steve Prefontaine and the people who make pilgrimages to his roadside memorial in Eugene, Oregon (“Pre’s Rock”). The film documents Prefontaine’s legacy and how his death galvanized the phenomenon of Pre’s Rock being viewed as a shrine.

It explores why people make pilgrimages from all over the world to pay their respects, connect with his spirit, and draw inspiration for their own life endeavors. The topic is explored through scholarly viewpoints, while also gaining perspective from Prefontaine’s friends and former teammates. The film also examines why people leave items at Pre’s Rock and where these items eventually end up. The film is based on a scholarly article by Daniel Wojcik, a UO Professor and long-distance runner.

Sponsors: UO Folklore and Public Culture Program, Department of English, Department of Religious Studies