Convert to the US wrote:
Pretend it’s the US. Winning $150k at a marathon (let’s say sub 2;02 on a course that pays a ton) is life-changing for a Kenyan but is merely nice for an American. Not a perfect comparison, but average income is roughly $70k vs $2k - 35 times more: 35*150k = 5.25 million.
Would we see far more American doping if we’d get millions for a 2:02-03? Yes
100% agree. It's not a moral failing. It's just business of running in Africa. They're not out there intentionally harming anyone. Given the alternatives in their shoes, I would be doping too if I can run 29 min 10K. They don't have luxury being a sub elite guys in US running 2:10 and living a comfortable life training under sponsorship.