runn wrote:
[Usually top participants in other sports are simply called "pros". Not all top participants in running are necessarily professionals, since there is such little money to go around. Plus, because there aren't distinct teams for runners to be on, it's not quite as clear cut who is a "pro" and who isn't. "Elites" is a catch all term. Also, hobbyists and top talents usually aren't participating in the same events in other sports, like people do in road races, so there's less of a reason to have a distinction.
You're close- I'm sure it goes back to the amateur days to differentiate them from the slower guys.
Also- what is a pro? There are more pro's in running than any other sport. But the range of pay is huge.
Some people get wealthy and some win prize money every once in a while and get free gear.
Exactly what IS a pro in this sport?
The Hammer Thrower who gets free clothing and shoes and picks up a few bucks here and there?
I've won tons of gift certificates and merchandise over the last 43 years.
I've gotten free shoes or discounts, like that but I'm not elite or pro.[/quote]
What is a "pro"? That's a good question. To me, that means that running is your "profession", not simply that you make some money at it. If you need a second job to supplement your income, you're not a "pro" in my mind, but potentially an "elite".