Most marketable distance runner?

for the woman tirunesh dibaba is by far more accomplished, faster and better looking than any of the females mentioned.

On the men's side, the two with the most marketable upside (assuming they get their respective acts together) are German Fernandez and Robbie Andrews.

On the women's side it's a bit tougher since you need a Mary Decker or Suzy Favor type, and I don't really see anyone like that.

Agreed. Kara Goucher. I'm from the Northwest, but Kara is far more recognizable amongst high school runners. The guys all want to sleep with her and the girls all want to be her.

For these games it will be Mo Farah because he is the favorite in 2 events and he is from the host country. All eyes will be on him. Also he is from an English speaking country so people will root for him over the Africans.

No one has mentioned Meb, who actually IS being marketed extensively.

How about Levins - with his high mileage and he's not scrawny looking. He is also well spoken.

If Cabada could get his sh!t together, he would be "the man" ... edgy, not a frickin' nerd like most in the distance world. Sounds like he was going to jail, and so it goes.

One who wins

Men's side

German Fernandez (if he get's his winning together, he's got Ricky Martin looks)

Chris Solinsky (if he get's his winning together too, he's the kind of guy you have a beer with, like Kennedy in the old days).

Women's Side

Lauren Fleshman (needs to win more often, but all charm)

Alice Schmidt (classy, needs to win more, verbal)

If not these people, then people like them. You know, people who actually think instead of regurgitate the same crap all the time.

Actually not being a twig is far more important for females. If a non-running company was to heavily feature someone like Felnagle or Uhl in ads they would get criticized for objectifying women, setting unrealistic standards for females, etc., etc. Kara's perfect because she's not super skinny, or model attractive.

Nick Symmonds is the only American runners young Americans could look up to - winner, (I've been told) attractive, actually looks like he could win a fight, and races a distance that can be watched in one sitting and does so in an exciting manner.

Barrister22 wrote:

Can't believe nobody has said the real answer, which is KARA GOUCHER.

Kara was already mentioned on the 1st page.

With women, Jenny Simpson is way up there. I bought a pair of NB 1400's not specifically because of her but after noticing her wearing them for the 5th Ave mile so I tried them out and liked them.

Ryan Hall for the guys. Meb has a great story, resume, and is a good guy, but he's a bit introverted and soft spoken for marketing purposes.

Jesus its Rudisha if its anyone. But honestly unless an American sets a world record, who are we kidding?

Suzy Favor.

Yatha Sidrha wrote:

Men's side

German Fernandez (if he get's his winning together, he's got Ricky Martin looks)

Chris Solinsky (if he get's his winning together too, he's the kind of guy you have a beer with, like Kennedy in the old days).

GF really needs to fix his teeth if he wants to be marketable. His bottom teeth are almost Anthony Davis bad.

Easy A wrote:

Suzy Favor.

Definitely used to be true:

Not so much any more.

Probably Bekele or Geb. Even though one is past his prime and the other is retired, they're the biggest names in the biggest running country in the world.

Cam MF Levins

Rupp?

Assuming she gets faster and keeps running Alex Kosinski. She is beautiful and I think could appeal to both men and woman. I know a lot of people on here don't like him, but I think Cento has market appeal too. My wife thinks he's hot, and I think he's our best shot in the 1500 (assuming he's healthy again). Kids got a lot of personality. People seem to love him or hate him which is what makes people pay attention. See also marketability.