Your 800m doesn't have a chance. He is running against guys that are faster over 800m and who have better endurance. He will just be another body clogging up the track. And yeah paying per lap is a gimmick (not quick as big as trying to stick some random 800m runner). But if you want a rabbitted race in the championships, that would be the way to get it.
KkdLdak wrote:
I agree that Lomong is faster than the first non-qualifier in the 800m. I don't think that Lomong would count out a 1:47 800m guy if they jog for 3 laps and then kick. Plus, I think it makes it all more exciting. If the race is taken out hard and the time is fast then the fans win. If the race is dog slow, then the 800 guy has a chance and that is exciting - the fans win.
Giving out money for each lap led would most likely screw up the race entirely. There would be two races, one for the lap money and one for overall victory. Some would go for the cash, some would try to pace it out for the overall win. It would be fun to watch, but a gimmick and not appropriate for a national championship.