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Wow, I'm sorry I missed this thread.
Running used to be huge in the 1970's, the Bill Rogers and Frank Shorter era had everyone running, young and old. Now, Americans are spending billions on overnight get thin pills and exercising, particularly running is at an all time low. Doubt that? Look at the how many people are dying of diabetes, heart disease, etc, every year. American athletes used to dominate at almost every distance and at the very least were extremely competitive. We haven't see another Steve Prefontaine since his tragic death at age 24. We might never see another, who knows. So, answer me this....
Why has the Boston Marathon or running in general gone down the crapper because of the prize money? Couldn't one say the same for all the professional sports? C'mon, let's all play baseball for the love of the game! Please! get real? I for one love the fact that big money brings in big talent, wherever it comes from. Human achievement is a spectacular thing! And let's be real now, if a marathoner is going to challenge for the Boston Marathon, or the world's record, it is going to take a huge commitment of TIME. And of course, time is money. How many of us could dedicate years of our lives to train for something simply for the sheer joy of it?
As in all big time sports, money is the motivator, period. Why should the marathon be any different?
And, very few of the runner in the Boston Marathon are considered elite. The huge majority, 97% or more, are your average Joe's, many of whom are raising money for some great charities.
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