A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more.
Meaning of the quote
This athlete is saying that he runs races not to see who is the fastest, but to see who is the bravest and strongest. He wants to see who can push themselves the hardest, both during the race and even at the very end. For him, running is about testing his own limits and seeing how much he can endure, not just about winning.
About Steve Prefontaine
Steve Prefontaine was a legendary American long-distance runner who set numerous national records in the 1970s. Known for his charisma and competitive spirit, Prefontaine competed in the 1972 Olympics and tragically passed away in a car accident at the age of 24. His legacy lives on through the prestigious Prefontaine Classic track meet and two feature films about his life.
More quotes from Steve Prefontaine
To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.
American long-distance runner (1951-1975)
Something inside of me just said ‘Hey, wait a minute, I want to beat him,’ and I just took off.
American long-distance runner (1951-1975)
How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other win races?
American long-distance runner (1951-1975)
I’m going to work so that it’s a pure guts race at the end, and if it is, I am the only one who can win it.
American long-distance runner (1951-1975)
I run to see who has the most guts.
American long-distance runner (1951-1975)
A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more.
American long-distance runner (1951-1975)
Somebody may beat me, but they are going to have to bleed to do it.
American long-distance runner (1951-1975)
What I want is to be number one.
American long-distance runner (1951-1975)
You have to wonder at times what you’re doing out there. Over the years, I’ve given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.
American long-distance runner (1951-1975)