In the 19th century,almost all running was professional in the context of betting, most or many races being fixed. Tens of thousands showed up to bet on "their man". It all fell apart when a sprint match in 1887 erupted in a riot which burned down an expensive stadium in Lillibridge, England. The agents of the two contenders couldn't agree on who would win before the race and the sprinters withdrew, leaving the crowd of 25,000 in a rage which scandalized the country and destroyed preofessional running. This actually paved the way for the "amateur" movement and the modern Olympics:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bcQRV57WLM
Black Sox on the Track wrote:
Is anyone aware of any instance in road running or track and field where someone has thrown a race to benefit gamblers? Boxers have taken a dive, basketball players have shaved points, and so on, but I don't remember ever hearing of that sort of thing in track. I assume it's because there's not enough money in track compared to tennis, boxing or whatever.
Anyone know if this has ever been or could be an issue in track?