NERunner03533 wrote:
I would bump sub-elite to sub-2:40 or sub-2:45, knowing that it's a big range & that 2:20s are different than low-2:40s. But once you get there, you're out of races to qualify for minus the Olympic Trials. A lot of sub-2:30 & sub-2:40 runners train the same. Seems like talent is a limiting factor when trying to make that jump.
Sub-2:10 = Medal Contenders
Sub-2:15 = World Class
Sub-2:30 = National Class
Sub-2:45 = Sub-Elite/Very Good amateur
Sub-3:00 to Sub-4:00 = Good Amateur/BQ athlete dependent on age
Would never say a sub-3 is nothing to write home about. It's a huge mark for a lot of people. You have to log some good miles to get there. The reality in the US is that sub-2:10 guys have a shot at a medal or good finish at a major. You can do it at Boston/NYC with those times. Sub-2:15 gets you invited. If you're running sub-2:30, you're winning your local marathon. Anyone under 2:45 is finishing in the top-10, maybe even top 3 or top 5, at their local marathon.
I can't agree with those (men's) times. You say it yourself - sub-2:30 is "Winning your local marathon". To me that what it takes to call yourself sub-elite, winning your regional no real prize purse marathon. It isn't national class. <2:30... you can call yourself sub-elite. Maybe 2:35. 2:20 or so is national class. and 2:12 or below world class.
2:45 is just a good runner.