How much money do sub-elite distance runners really earn? In this video I break down the reality of making a living as a competitive runner who is on the fringe – from prize money and appearance fees to course record bonuses and shoe contracts.
I was a 13 minutes 5k, 29 minute 10k and 64 minutes half marathon runner scraping by. With today’s super shoes, that’s low 28 minute 10k runners and 62 minute half marathon runners just about getting by!
I talk about the cut-throat nature of brand deals, the limited funding available, and what support (physio, training camps etc.) sub-elite athletes can actually access compared to the fully funded elites.
I also look back at my time training out in Font-Romeu as a support runner alongside Mo Farah, Boniface Kiprop and Moses Kipsiro – what that world looked like from the inside and how it compares to life as a sub-elite.
I’ve also applied for the Puma Project 3 programme and chat about the Puma shoes I’m currently running in.
Plus a training update as I shift into marathon-specific work – threshold sessions are becoming the priority now, and I talk through my latest 12x1km session off just 60 seconds recovery.
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#Running #MarathonTraining #ImproveRunning #RunMotivation #RunHappy #FastMarathon
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@Edmonton Oilers
3 Comments
I'm glad you found your airpod after just talking about how financially difficult it can be being an athlete! And I hope you get the Puma sub3 project place! Totally deserve it.
I feel like I'm always trying to keep my shoes as long as possible due to how expensive it can be. On ~110km a week a lot of online advice basically says I'd need a new pair every 8 weeks which sounds financially scary, so I can't imagine how difficult it is being an unsponsored sub-elite runner with much higher milage.
Maybe this is for another video, but can I ask what your day job is now? You said you did some webdesign, so it's cool that you have skills outside of your running too. I'd be interested in hearing what elite runners have in plan for the future after their main running career. For example, would sponsors agree to help you out in some way or do they just disappear as soon as the contract ends? What was it like with yourself after your surgery and having that sudden/unexpected life change career-wise? I know these are tough topics for lots of pros, so obviously no pressure to have to talk about this stuff.
Great insight. Good luck in your marathon block. Glad you found your airpod.
Lost something before a mass training group run. Found it afterwards on pavement. So so lucky.
I spoke to winner of Great Birmingham Half (same organisation as GNR) post race when I last did it, 2023 I think. No prize money at all. Chris Thompson was retiring and won the 10k that day, am guessing he got an appearance fee. These are big, popular events with fairly high entry fees, was really surprised that there was nothing for the winner.