You are NOT a pro runner unless you make at least $15,080 a year. Just stop.

not a pro wrote:

Being a sponsored runner != being a pro runner.

If you live in the US and you don't make at least the US minimum wage, you are not a pro.

Truth! And if you're not a pro, you're a HOBBY JOGGER!!!

What's the poverty line?

Full time runners don't do 40 hours per week. A 140 mpw guy might be able to run 20 miles a day in two hours, certainly not much more. So multiply, say 15 hours per week by the minimum wage and you'll get a better number. Even so, this is a pretty stupid way to draw the line.

a couple of thoughts wrote:

... Even so, this is a pretty stupid way to draw the line.

I think this way. I've heard others say that running has to be your primary source of income, but I think that's unfair because there are a lot of pros who also work 20 hours a week to help support themselves. I do think that if you aren't making a certain amount (like minimum wage) it's a stretch to call yourself a pro.

smd wrote:

What's the poverty line?

In the US, it's around 30 thousand a year.

Love. Love. Love it. This should be the new standard. I'm going to use this new standard to call guys out. Watch out instragram pros, I'm coming for you.

Actually the income line doesn't matter. The distinction is can you live a comfortable life by only running? Meaning, if you work a part-time job (coaching or at a running store or anything else) then you are not a professional runner. If you live at home, you are not a professional runner. If you have a husband or wife who makes 99% of the household income, you are not a professional runner. Obviously there's exceptions to the spousal income part, but you get the point. A usual giveaway that you are a professional runner is if you are able to travel to Europe and compete for a few weeks. That usually takes a sponsor flying you out and paying for your food and lodging. It might not be cash in your pocket, but it is income.

So, for instance, you could have a situation where a sponsor is only paying someone $10k per year in cash, but they pay for all their food and lodging in the US and abroad for the year. This would likely amount to six figures.

So like you know what I mean wrote:

smd wrote:

What's the poverty line?

In the US, it's around 30 thousand a year.

For one person it's $12,490 and for a family of four it's $25,750.

Isn’t that below the poverty level? I’ll be embarrassed to call myself a pro making that amount of money.

If you don’t make more money than me, you’re not a very good pro runner.

Low six digits wrote:

If you don’t make more money than me, you’re not a very good pro runner.

Most of the US World team makes less than you, idiot.

I'm not a pro runner, but I do make $150,000 a year and I have a smoking hot wife.

sub 14 baby wrote:

I'm not a pro runner, but I do make $150,000 a year and I have a smoking hot wife.

The real you: Making 30 grand a year , buried in debt, driving a 1999 kia, living in your parents basement and dating the local strip club redneck.

Didn't Brian Sell work at Home Depot when he made the Olympic team? Aren't there very few throwers who actually make a living off the sport, even at the very top level? Seems like income is a poor way to draw the line at professionalism.

EXACTLY. I was just telling this to a runner making $15,079 the other day. They are NOT a professional runner lol!!

I look at success in general as your age in thousands. If you earn more than your age in thousands per year, you are successful. If not, you are poor. Of course Donald Trump isn't the same age as planet Earth otherwise he would be considered poor based on my philosophy.

Why does it seem only running is exempt from "profession"? Meaning doctors, lawyers, electricians all do this function as their job. They don't (generally) do other jobs, because they are already doing their profession full time. If a runner is truly a professional, all he or she does is run (plus workout, stretch, massage, etc...all the additional things associated with being a professional athlete that everyone seems to forget about). If a runner has to work other jobs, they are not a professional runner as running is not their chief source of income. For example, Galen Rupp is a professional runner. He has no other job. All of the track stars are professional runners. Guys who run 2:12 and up are almost certainly not professional runners as they are getting small endorsements deals to cover shoes, clothing and per diem expenses, but they almost always work other jobs.

Good distinction .... In other words, Sage Canaday is a glorified amateur ... he needs Sandi’s income, YouTube, patreons, & “keyboard coaching” .... A true professional is fully funded by their sponsor(s). Hilarious now that those who call themselves “pro’s” are anything but that.

Is it possible to be a professional and not make a good living. Can an author, or actor or singer or business owner, consider themselves professionals in their area if they have to take on second jobs to supplement their income to make a livable wage.

I think they can.