Bad news: The Olympic Marathon Trials are next week and we don't know the prize money. Good news. It's going to be roughly 600k

Rojo/Wejo - curious on your thoughts if this will be the last trials?

This year with delayed planning, little updates or communication, trying to change qualification, and the whole venue situation with heat and what not it’s hard to believe as a fan and spectator that this race will exist in 2028. I am thinking that USATF will just go with a committee selection next cycle.

Although that would be way more efficient for everyone, this event is slightly profitable for usatf and is a larger marketing opportunity for them. Can't see them drop it unless they really hate doing their jobs.

i doubt they ditch it. i think most people would rather see them cut down the field size.

In a hypothetical scenario where USATF cancelled the trials and decided to just select the 2024 marathon team, who should they pick?

In this cycle, you'd just pick the top 3 time finishers. Mantz Young Rupp.

Only controversy would be Rupp over Fauble since they ran different courses with very close times. They'd probably move down to their other results / HM times where Rupp barely beats him again. So Rupp would take the spot.

So prioritize big time finishes, then if too close to tell (like within 30 seconds) you compare other results.

I thought that money was reserved for Max Siegal.

The trials are about earning the opportunity to go to the Olympics not prize money.

As I understand it, USATF requires bidders to pay them a minimum of $30K just for the ability to submit a bid. Most associations cannot afford that and in our current tight economic times, many quasi-public local sports organizations and chambers of commerce don't with to throw money at a process that offers no guarantees.

More importantly, USATF has very publicly screwed over Mt. SAC/Walnut, CA and Chattanooga, TN in recent years. Municipalities see this and refuse to do business with USATF. Why would any sane person or organization spend six figures to develop a plan, obtain buy-in from stakeholders (local public safety departments, businesses, churches, neighborhoods, etc.) only to be rejected? Worse - have your winning bid revoked because someone with deep pockets wants it elsewhere? It's insanity. Cities with new facilities (Eugene, Louisville) and small cities needing the exposure (Albuquerque, Spokane, Richmond, Tallahassee) willing to pony up the funds get events.

USATF also does very little to promote or assist these events. The local orgs are expected to arrange and pay for everything, including volunteers, certified officials, athlete hosting, and prize money. IMHO, USATF provides absolutely zero value beyond a sanction. These events do not bring many traveling fans to town that spend in the local economy. The track trials used to be the exception, but Eugene attendance proves that the love affair with fans is over.

Sadly, you will see a lot of empty sidewalks and spotty spectator support along the Orlando course. Most sports mad locals and traveling sports fans will mob the NFL Pro Bowl festivities going on at the same time. Other cities see this and would rather host an elite gymnastics meet, women's NCAA basketball regionals, or a US Soccer friendly match before doing anything with USATF because the work is easier and the ROI is better.

While I would not be surprised if this was the last Olympic Trials Marathon, I do have reason to be a bit optimistic for 2028. LA is hosting the 2028 Olympics. This could be an easy opportunity to host the trials on what will be the Olympic Marathon course while also driving up excitement for the games. But knowing our fantastic leadership over at the USATF we'll probably host it somewhere random...

If you cheat an win the trials do you get to keep the money?

Rupp did. Remember - wearing cheater shoes before they were available to the public in 96.

2016 (edit)

For professional athletes, money talks. The Trials process should always be a well-paid event.

If they're smart they'll have the money go at least 12 deep, possibly even 15 deep. Otherwise, you'll see people dropping like flies and you'll end up with some 2:39 runner grabbing a top 15 spot.

This. It's the Olympic Trials, it's supposed to be bringing together the best marathoners competing for an opportunity to run in the Olympics.

The number of marathons they can run in a year is limited.

If there's no incentive to finish and run fast the best decision, once you know you're not finishing top 3, is to dnf and run a spring marathon for money.

Incentivize running fast and finishing for these people.

Place and time bonus money.

I'd think they would use an existing race to pick the trial - ie top 3 Americans at boston are on the team - before getting rid of it entirely.

Dr. Fauci will be there at finish line to congratulate but I worry letsrun forum fans won’t be able to have

The TV announcers are volunteers and receive a $50 Nike Gift card in the mail if it's not lost or stolen on the way.

Rojo: "as bad! as we don't no the prize money! as prize money 600 kay!"

Rojo, you don't know what the prize money is except that you do know what it is--it's 600k. What?