If you have to tell them you're elite, you probably aren't, especially if they're runners themselves. And why would you feel the need to tell people you're elite?
You can get away with calling yourself "elite" to the average person if you're running sub 2:30. That's a 5:45 mile for the marathon, something close to incomprehensible for the average person (who is 20 years removed from running their 7:22 PR in high school gym class). Even hobbyjoggers will know that it's fast.
For someone who has more knowledge about running/times, it's probably safe to call yourself "elite" if you have a legit shot at an OTQ, or faster.
LetsRunners will be skewed towards viewing performances relative to the world record and will call times like 2:20 slow...when 2:20 is probably "elite" for 95% or more of the population.
If you have to tell them you're elite, you probably aren't, especially if they're runners themselves. And why would you feel the need to tell people you're elite?
When you network, people sometimes ask about your personal life. Would I tell them I’m a runner or I’m an elite runner? If you just tell someone you’re a runner they’ll say “oh I run.” I need to stand out.
If you have to tell them you're elite, you probably aren't, especially if they're runners themselves. And why would you feel the need to tell people you're elite?
When you network, people sometimes ask about your personal life. Would I tell them I’m a runner or I’m an elite runner? If you just tell someone you’re a runner they’ll say “oh I run.” I need to stand out.
Show them your Disney Dopey Challenge participant medal.
Anything under 3 is going to make people think you're "elite". I ran 227 (slow compared to my other PRs), and when people would find out they literally wouldn't believe me. They all assumed with a time like that you were going to olympics, and they'd think I was lying.
In general it's not worth talking times with randos. I'd also get the old, "I ran sub4 in HS/military/last weekend" comments when they'd find out what my mile PR is.
2:16 minimum IMO - I don’t think you have to be running with the leaders in major marathons to be considered “elite,” but 2:20-something is definitely just a fast amateur/hobbyist (there’s nothing wrong with being a devoted hobbyist).
Never refer to yourself as an elite marathoner. This is really symptomatic of low self esteem. If you are an elite marathoner, there is no need to discuss it unless it is helping you get into races or something.
Depends on who your friends are. If they're not runners, it literally doesn't make any difference, from 2 hours to 5 hours, they won't know the difference, and frankly, won't care to look into it any deeper.