The Herd | Edition No. 9

Steve "Pre" Prefontaine, NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, and carbon plated shoes.

March 15, 2025

The Herd | Edition No. 9

Welcome back to The Herd! In this week’s edition, we’re taking a look at Steve Prefontaine’s life and success on the track, the science behind carbon plated shoes, and what to watch this weekend at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. So grab your coffee, chocolate milk, or electrolytes and enjoy!

Steve Roland "Pre" Prefontaine, born on January 25, 1951, in Coos Bay, Oregon, was an American long-distance runner who became one of the most influential figures in the history of track and field. Prefontaine's journey in running began during his high school years at Marshfield High School, where he initially struggled but eventually found his stride. By his junior year, he was dominating cross country competitions, and as a senior, he set a national high school record in the two-mile event with a time of 8:41.5 (1, 2).

Prefontaine's collegiate career at the University of Oregon, under the guidance of legendary coach Bill Bowerman, was nothing short of spectacular. He won seven NCAA titles, including three championships in the 10,000m and four in the 5,000m race (3). His aggressive front-running style, combined with his charisma and confidence, made him a fan favorite and earned him national recognition, including a cover feature on Sports Illustrated at just 19 years old (3).

Throughout his career, Prefontaine set numerous American records and, at the time of his untimely death in 1975, held every American record for distances between 2,000 and 10,000 meters (4). He competed in the 1972 Munich Olympics, finishing fourth in the 5,000-meter event at the age of 21 (4). Beyond his athletic achievements, Prefontaine was known for his outspoken criticism of the Amateur Athletic Union and his advocacy for athletes' rights (3). His legacy extends far beyond his records, as he played a significant role in popularizing distance running in the United States and helped establish Eugene, Oregon, as "Tracktown, USA" (5).

The Science of Carbon Plated Shoes

Carbon-plated running shoes are a revolutionary type of athletic footwear designed with a thin carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole, working in tandem with advanced foam materials (1, 2). This combination creates a spring-like effect, enhancing energy return and reducing the effort required to push off the ground with each stride. The shoes' unique design improves running economy, allowing runners to maintain faster paces while expending less energy, potentially leading to performance gains of 2% to 6% in race times (2, 3).

Additionally, the superior cushioning provided by these shoes can reduce overall stress on the body, potentially decreasing the risk of common running injuries and accelerating recovery time (4). The carbon plate also adds stability to the foam and provides a rigid surface for runners to push off, contributing to a smoother, more efficient running motion (5). While initially developed for elite athletes, carbon-plated shoes have shown benefits for recreational runners as well, offering improved efficiency and the potential for faster times across various distances (6).

2025 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships

Doris Lemngole, Alabama - 15:05.93 | 5,000m Champion Rushing to the front at the bell lap, Doris Lemngole held off Lexy Halladay-Lowry of BYU in a close finish.

Ethan Strand, UNC - Collegiate Record Holder for 3,000m Can he hold of Virgina’s Gary Martin (DMR Anchor champion) and teammate Parker Wolfe (ranked second) for the win?

Thanks for reading! We hope you feel as inspired as we are. See you next Saturday for more running stories, tips & news, and race highlights!