Why does a Profession Distance Runner not demand the same respect as other Pro athletes?

Ha, pretty much. T&F, cycling and soccer/football are corrupt beyond repair at this point.

Distance running was very successfully marketed in the 70’s and 80’s… that’s why there are still 5/10 K and 1/2 and full marathons races everywhere all the time. The issue is the athletes. They do not race enough… all the other sports are daily/weekly events. imagine if MJ had only set foot on a basketball court 8 times a year or Tiger played golf every 4 years. It’s up to distance runners to make their stories compelling and worth following.

This is absolutely true. Guys like Rodgers and his contemporaries probably raced about thirty or forty times a year and turned up all over the country. But that was partly because they were getting serious appearance money even before there was outright professionalism. But today there are far, far fewer races willing to pay substantial appearance or prize money and there aren't a lot of people with the name recognition of BR, Shorter, Jon Sinclair, Anne Audain, Henry Rono, etc., who could demand that kind of money. Because today's guys don't race much it's unlikely they'll ever get to the marketability those guys had and therefore are less inclined to go to a lot of races. It's kind of chicken or the egg thing, though I personally am convinced the egg came first.

The difference in the level of respect and recognition between different sports or professions can be attributed to various factors, including cultural perceptions, media coverage, and historical significance. Here are a few factors that contribute to the skewed respect from the general public:
Popularity and Exposure: Some sports, like baseball and tennis, have a long history and are widely popular with a large fan base. They receive extensive media coverage, including TV broadcasts, news articles, and high-profile tournaments, which helps create a strong presence in the public consciousness. This increased exposure leads to more recognition and respect for athletes in these sports.
Cultural Significance: Certain sports have a deep-rooted cultural significance in specific regions or countries. For example, baseball is considered America's pastime, while tennis has a rich tradition and prestige associated with major tournaments like Wimbledon or the US Open. These cultural associations elevate the status and respect for athletes involved in these sports.
Spectator Appeal: Sports that are easier to understand and follow as a spectator tend to garner more attention and respect. Baseball and tennis have established rules and formats that are familiar to many people, making it easier for them to engage with and appreciate the skills and strategies involved. On the other hand, some sports, like professional running, may seem less accessible or require a deeper understanding to fully appreciate the nuances involved.
Media and Marketing Influence: The level of media coverage and marketing efforts dedicated to promoting certain sports and athletes can greatly influence public perception and respect. Sports with larger budgets and more extensive marketing campaigns tend to receive more attention and generate greater interest among the general public.
Historical Context: Some sports have a long-standing history and traditions that contribute to their perceived importance. Baseball, for example, has been played for over a century and has a rich legacy of legendary players and memorable moments. These historical aspects often add to the respect and admiration associated with the sport.
It's important to note that while some sports may receive more recognition and respect from the general public, every sport requires a high level of dedication, skill, and athleticism from its participants. Each sport has its unique challenges and deserves appreciation for the commitment and hard work of its athletes. However, societal factors and cultural biases can influence how much recognition and respect a sport receives.