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Payday At Olympic Trials Marathon

Posted October 21st, 2007 at 3:30 PM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Olympics

I never realized that the top finishers in the U.S. Olympic Trials Men’s Marathon get paid for their efforts. I suppose it was such a shock to me because I come from the Amateur (or, as Steve Prefontaine called it, “Shamateur”) Era of track & field. Remember those ideals of yesteryear, when running for one’s country and for possible Olympic glory was enough? I’m still not quite sure how I feel about this revelation. Does a true elite amateur athlete even exist anymore? If not, is that a good thing?

Here’s how the prize money breaks down:

November 3: U.S. Olympic Team Trials—Men’s Marathon

Open prize money for men

1st: $60,000
2nd: $40,000
3rd: $30,000
4th: $20,000
5th: $12,000
6th: $10,000
7th: $8,000
8th: $5,000
9th: $3,000
10th: $2,000

Olympic Marathon Team Bonus - Participation in Olympic Games Marathon required
$20,000 paid to each Olympic Participant

Source: [NYRR]