by Melissa Sharp
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
There are few runners remembered long after they’ve left the track. But ask even non-runners if they know the name Steve Prefontaine—or “Pre”—and chances are, they’ll say yes. Whether it’s from one of the two biopics about his life, “Prefontaine” or “Without Limits” or his legendary status as a trailblazing athlete who died tragically at 24, his name still carries weight—even 50 years later.
Known for his bold front-running style and relentless drive, Pre was the first athlete to sign with Nike, launching the brand into prominence. His quotes continue to echo in the running world: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” My personal favorite? “The best pace is suicide pace, and today looks like a good day to die.” I’ve repeated that mantra often.
On May 30, 2025, Runner’s World published a piece titled, “Steve Prefontaine Died 50 Years Ago Today. No One Misses Him More Than His Sister.” It featured heartfelt words from his younger sister, Linda Prefontaine, who was 21 when her brother died and shared:
“He had a great personality and he was a warm, caring individual who just happened to be a great runner. Most people look at him and focus on that one thing, that he was a great runner. But he was so much more than that, and most people never really knew all of who he was.”
And yet, as a Christian who “just happens” to be a runner, I can’t help but wonder if Pre was born again; that is, if he ever accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Because no matter how fast we run, how much we accomplish, or how many remember our name, if our identity isn’t in Christ, it all ends at the final finish line.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12
Yes, I’ve been a runner as long as I can remember. But that’s not who I am. I am a child of God who happens to run. My greatest identity is in Christ. And for every believer, this should be our deepest identity. As Paul declared in Galatians 2:20, we are “crucified with Christ,” and the lives we now live should reflect the One who died FOR us and who lives IN us.
If I were to die tomorrow, I would hope people wouldn’t just remember me as a runner, but as someone who lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I want my life to inspire people not just to run—but to run for Christ—meaning to live for Christ in their everyday lives.
It is ONLY what we do for Jesus that has eternal worth. Which is the very reason, that our identity first and foremost must always be in Christ and what we do after that be done for Christ.
Steve Prefontaine inspired generations to run. But did his life point anyone to the Creator who gave him that ability? That’s the challenge for all of us. Because in the end, no matter how successful or talented we are, only what we do for Christ will last. In fact, the only things on this earth we will see on the other side of eternity are the souls who are born again by grace through faith in Jesus.
Missionary C.T. Studd said:
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”
Reflection Question:
If your life ended today, how would you be remembered—and would it reflect a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our time, talents, and treasures all come from You and are to be used in service to You. Help us to understand Lord that we only have one life to inspire the lost to seek You—and we do this by the way that we live and by the way we love others. Help us then to daily take up our cross and surrender our will to take up your will and run the race for You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
