How do pro runners survive?

options wrote:

I understand the top end (Lagat, Flanagan, Hall) get tons of $ from sponsors and can pretty much live of that, but what about the second and third tier? How do they put food on their plates--especially living in expensive places like Boulder?

Many work at running stores or as assistant HS coaches to make a few bucks. It ain't glamorous.

many of them also have rich parents. i think that's key.

Very true. those kids have no pressure of making money, doing nothing in expensive cities and spend parents' money as their parents will live forever

if you are not that good, not good enough for olympics, then suck it up and work to support yourself.

How much annual $ can a 29:50 10K runner make? Or a 4:05 miler?

In Canada many "professional" runners work at running stores and rely on meager grants from the government. Top Olympic level runners may get $1000-1500 a month if they meet the standard but in a place like Vancouver you may as well be on welfare if you make that little.

wasn't for me wrote:

options wrote:

I understand the top end (Lagat, Flanagan, Hall) get tons of $ from sponsors and can pretty much live of that, but what about the second and third tier? How do they put food on their plates--especially living in expensive places like Boulder?

Many work at running stores or as assistant HS coaches to make a few bucks. It ain't glamorous.

options wrote:

How do they put food on their plates--especially living in expensive places like Boulder?

Food doesn't cost much.

The government grants are a joke in any major city that is an apartment and food(barely). I find it laughable that government expects top 8 results for 1500 dollars? Granted top 8 track athletes can make decent money in the Golden League, but what about top 8 wrestlers? Every time the Olympics roll around you hear stories about gold medal prospects hitting up food banks in non revenue sports.....

whatsmyname wrote:

How much annual $ can a 29:50 10K runner make? Or a 4:05 miler?

Probably a couple thousand dollars by cherry picking non competitive races. However, those times aren't anywhere near professional runner standards.

Boulder is not expensive wrote:

In Canada many "professional" runners work at running stores and rely on meager grants from the government. Top Olympic level runners may get $1000-1500 a month if they meet the standard but in a place like Vancouver you may as well be on welfare if you make that little.

wasn't for me wrote:

Many work at running stores or as assistant HS coaches to make a few bucks. It ain't glamorous.

Sounds like the athletes ARE on welfare.

I've noticed that many of the women runners are married and perhaps the salary of the husband is their main source of income.

Selling drugs

whatsmyname wrote:

How much annual $ can a 29:50 10K runner make? Or a 4:05 miler?

That wouldnt even get your tuition paid at a good program in the NCAA if it tkes you four years to get there

Zap Fitness provides room and board, health insurance, equipment, travel and a $250/month living stipend.

In exchange for that, they're expected to work at their facility hosting camps and basic maintenance.

Some are comprised under the umbrella of only one shoe sponsor and have individual contracts with shoe company.(Nike has OTC, Bowerman, and Oregon Project. Brooks has Beasts) Their head coaches are paid by the shoe company.

Others, like NYNJ, have individuals all sponsored by different shoe companies and the individuals pay Gags (around $200/month) to be coached.

Not sure how Hansons, Team Minnesota, Furman Elite, or Rogue work?

What other groups are there?

I kid you not but this true. I recall a few club level sprinters being busted over the years for being PED dealers. A few years ago John Drummond was busted for bring in pot at an airport but the charges didn't stick because his civil rights were violated

prize winnings, they get 16k each time they win a diamond league race, so that would be 80k a living wage, road races vary, competitor offers 20k or so to the winners of their half marathon and marathons, the Dubai marathon pays 250k to the winner the most of any marathon, Boston, London New York and other high level marathons pay 100k or more to the winner.

top stars the level of Galen Rupp, Meseret Defar, Haile Gebreselassie, Tirunesh Dibaba etc.can get 10-50k for appearance money, the purpose of appearance money is to make sure the athlete can train full time, and to honor them for their career achievements.

The appearance fee money is not reported which is great for the athlete, so for example if an athlete gets 500k in appearance fees and only 40k for prize winnings, they would be taxed as someone who made 40k and the 500k appearance fee/under the table money since it is not reported and no one truly knows it exist besides the athlete, his agent and the meet director is not taxable.

so they do okay.

I made around 32,000 USD last year after grants and winnings and I have run a mid 28 10k and under 13:50 for 5k I see a lot of people on these boards complaining about pros self promoting which I think is completely unfair. People then criticise the lack of depth in distance running and say there are barely any sub 2:20 or 2:15 runners around anymore and question why. I am all for athletes promoting themselves to try and get a sponsor and enable them to reach their full potential. And I am if anyone on here was in the same position they would do the same.

I can't have a full-time coach because I can't afford it. I have a part-time job at a running store and I am lucky because my boss supplies me with free shoes (not a sponsor). I know I sound like I am whining but this is the reality for me and other guys at the same level. I love this sport and I have big ambitions and that's why I still do it. I could be out there working 9-5 for 2-3 times more money but at the end of the day, that's not why I run. I still run because I know there are bigger things than money that I can achieve. Money isn't an accomplishment, it a means to an end.

Good to see you fighting the good fight. But due to the lack of funding in depth, its no wonder American Distance running has lost so much depth. Its tempting to take that pay check instead of following your dreams, I'm glad to see you have your priorities set straight.

Good answer and best of luck whoever you are.