why does USATF have a 20k, half, and 25k championship?
Maybe they shouldn't be called "championships," but they're all good running events with a history that predate the USATF road cirucit or the popularity of the half marathon distance. Nothing wrong with having a road racing circuit that includes these events.
They're called championships, in part, as an aid to runners. It helps raise the profile and in raising a prize purse. Athletes also often get sponsor bonuses for entering, finishing, making the podium at national championships. Its weird and contrived but this is what we got right now.
why does USATF have a 20k, half, and 25k championship?
Technically, they have 20km, half marathon and 25 km championships.
It's really stupid... at those distances just keep the half since it's popular and toss the rest. The best half runner is going to be the best at 20k and 25k.. it's just dumb to keep these different longer distances that are 5k apart.
They're called championships, in part, as an aid to runners. It helps raise the profile and in raising a prize purse. Athletes also often get sponsor bonuses for entering, finishing, making the podium at national championships. Its weird and contrived but this is what we got right now.
When was the last time there was significant focus on the 20k and 25k? It may be a simple way to spread the checks but raising someone's profile? Nope
You cannot go after the 25k like a half. Its a challenging distance to those who think they can sustain HMP for another 2.4mi... The RBR course also makes it honest and lures the suckers in and spits them out.
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