yeah. for the sub elite class, the olympic qualifiers for the marathon was the only big lifetime achievement. qualifying for major marathons was mostly a speedy jog for anyone who even attempts to reach their potential in the 5k. 95% of the people who run the olympic trials know that they have no chance at making the olympics, but it still helps the sport if they allow a few hundred (maybe even up to 1000) runners into the race as long as they don't mess around with the people in the front who actually have a chance.