CrispyChicken wrote:
My local Turkey Trot awards baked goods as prizes. So long as you recycle the plastic and/or aluminum packaging and flush to a sanitary sewer system, they are rather eco-friendly awards.
I personally think the greatest prize in running is winning a frozen turkey at the local Turkey Trot. Close second is a free beer at the St. Pat's Day race.
I finished 35th once at the 35th running of a race, and won $35. Another local half marathon gives $200 for top male and female. One year nobody very good showed up, and a running buddy won and got a nice plaque and the $200 check. I finisher second male overall at age 62 and got nothing for overall, just first in my age group. Every year after that a lot of pretty good runners are there.
As a Masters runner, pay days are/were slimmer and scarcer.
Won roughly $2000 worth of stuff in total, but none of it checks or cash. Just merchandise or gift cards.
Made a little running. Best year was over $3000 career cut short with injuries total life time earnings around 10k. Have charged for coaching since 2015 and have earned over $120k as a side hobby.