Over the past 30 days, we have seen crazy fast times from collegiate runners all over the NCAA. The NCAA Mile All-Time list has been almost completely reordered and the NCAA 3k Record is now changing every day.
We also are seeing collegiate runners taking down “A-List” American Pros on the daily. So what is the new standard for NCAA runners seeking a Pro Contract?
New 1500m/Mile Pro Standard?
New 3k Pro Standard?
100k followers
hiroshi wrote:
100k followers
I laughed when I saw this response but it’s true. If you have a huge social media following you can be slower and get a contract. If you’re really good looking you can be slower and get a contract. I used to be sad about this but honestly it makes complete sense. Companies pay athletes to market their products, and times are just one of several variables that affect an athlete’s worth from a marketing perspective. You still need to be competitive enough to get into and not DFL pro races, but that would seem to be the standard now if you check other boxes.
If someone really wants to go pro in running, I honestly feel like they should not just focus on running but also play the IG, youtube game to develop a following.
I'd say 3:55 or faster in the mile, sub 7:50 for 3k minimum.
OR
3:59.97 IF you have a semi-popular youtube channel.
CTmdrunner47 wrote:
I'd say 3:55 or faster in the mile, sub 7:50 for 3k minimum.
OR
3:59.97 IF you have a semi-popular youtube channel.
I have a kid I used to coach. He's a pro. 3:57.xx mile, 13:30 5000, no youtube channel.
The truth is- more than one group/coach saw potential so he had offers and took the best one.
It's a lot of luck, knowing the right people, being in the right place at the right time.