Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for providing me with an ALC of The Front Runner, written by Brendan O'Meara and narrated by Roger Wayne.

5 stars for book / 3 stars for audiobook

On the 50th anniversary of American Track and Field icon Steve Prefontaine’s tragic death comes an essential reappraisal of his life and legacy, a powerful work of narrative history exploring the forces and psychology that made Prefontaine great and separating the man from the myths. This audiobook was incredibly researched and provided copious amounts of information about Steve Prefontaine's life that even the most avid runners and his most avid fans may not have known. It is glaringly obvious that not only was a lot of care and attention placed into the research and writing of this book, but the author has great respect for Mr. Prefontaine and his accomplishments. Truly a must-read for all those in the running community.

The audiobook was a bit less impressive, to be fair. There were several mispronunciations, and the production just felt a bit lackluster. Overall, it was a fine audiobook, but I feel those truly interested in this story may enjoy a physical copy of this book instead. Overall, a fair audiobook.

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley! This book caught my attention based on the title alone, as the cover had not yet been revealed. As a new runner who completed my first marathon this year, I was interested to read about a runner. Thank being said, I had no idea who Steve was, his legacy, and how it came to an end too soon. I listened to the audiobook on many runs. The voice was soothing and Steve's life story easy to follow. I found the book so interesting and plan on reading it with my running club in the future.

The Front Runner: The Life of Steve Prefontaine by Brendan O'Meara
Published on 5/20/2025
Audiobook narrated by Roger Wayne

As a runner based in Oregon, how could I say no to this audiobook?
Steve "Pre" Prefontaine is one of the iconic athletes Oregon has ever produced. Like James Dean, he was young, handsome and drove too fast. Like James Dean, he died at age 24 in a car crash. There is acute sadness and loss of potential for those who leaves us unexpectedly well before their prime. At the time of his death, Pre was breaking all sorts of middle distance track records and preparing his second Olympics when he passed.
His life is also intwined with Bill Bowerman and the rise of Nike, one of the most well-known of Oregon companies.
So there is a lot to be discussed in a life of Steve Prefontaine. He was also opinionated and not camera shy. This book was published 50 years after his passing and perfect for those who wants to know more about Pre. The book is chronologically organized and easy to follow. The audiobook is also easy to listen to.
I have lived and run in Oregon for a number of years though, being fascinated by Pre like many others. I have watched the film "Without Limits," a biopic starring Billy Crudup and Donald Sutherland. I listened to Frank Shorter's audiobook, "My Marathon." So I have already had a general knowledge about his life to the point I didn't feel I learned many new things from this book personally.
However, I believe he is a fascinating character and hope many younger runners would pick up this book to learn about Pre.

An advanced copy of this audiobook was provided courtesy of NetGalley and Harper Audio Adult. Thank you so much!

Though I had heard of Prefontaine before reading this book, admittedly I didn't know much about him other than he was a talented runner who died young. Reading this book gave me a fuller picture of a very special individual, and I can't help but wonder how many more records he would have broke, and how much he would have accomplished, had it not been for his untimely death. He continues to be an inspiration, and I'm grateful I had an opportunity to learn more about him.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this free ARC in exchange for. my honest review.

The Front Runner is a compelling and emotional biography that captures the life, drive, and untamed spirit of Steve Prefontaine, one of the most iconic and enigmatic distance runners in American history. Before reading this, I knew Prefontaine mostly as a name tied to running legend, someone whose life ended too soon. But this book gave me so much more than just a timeline of events; it gave me a deeper understanding of who he was, what he stood for, and why he still inspires athletes decades later.

What really stood out to me was how the author portrayed Pre’s relentless passion for running. He wasn’t just talented; he was fiercely competitive, outspoken, and totally unwilling to settle for anything less than giving his full effort every time he stepped on the track. His approach wasn’t always polished or easy to digest, but it was authentic. The book doesn’t shy away from his flaws either, which made him feel more human and more real.

I also appreciated how the book covered not just his athletic accomplishments, but also his role in challenging the amateurism rules of his time. Prefontaine wasn’t just racing to win medals; he was pushing back against a broken system that didn’t support athletes. That fight made his story feel not only inspirational but also meaningful on a broader level.

The writing itself is straightforward and accessible, with a pace that mirrors Pre’s own racing style: fast, intense, and full of heart. Some parts, especially the ones leading up to his tragic death, were difficult to read emotionally, but they were handled with respect and care.

Whether you’re a runner or just someone drawn to stories about passion, rebellion, and purpose, The Front Runner offers a powerful look at a life that continues to impact sports and culture to this day.

Even before I began my running hobby last year I’ve fed my curiosity of the sport through books. Prefontaine’s name popped up here and there but I otherwise knew little of him.
O’Meara creates a human in his writing of this god-like figure in the sport, describing not just the accolades but also the ego that accompanied them. A truly fascinating read of a previous generation’s sporting hero, culminating in his untimely demise.
The audiobook is a solid work of narration. I would definitely listen to more nonfiction narrated by Roger Wayne.