I grew up reading Running Times and Runners World, watching live marathons on one of the 3 networks, etc. I began running in middle school then ran in HS, D1 college and post college. I am turning my back on pro track and pro marathoners. Basically, elite track events and marathons are the equivalent of Professional Wrestling.
It is entertaining, even though you know that it is fake. The performances of the recent WCs, sub 2:00 marathon and whatsername's 2:14 marathon ... mildly entertaining, as long as you realize that they are fake.