Would some type of Professional Road Racing Tour help the distance runners (5k and over)in the US. Would give them a place to go after collge. Similar to other professional tours (PGA, NASCAR, Tennis). Various races could be scheduled through-out the year for tour members only at various distances with prise money. A point system could also be set-up to earn points at each race that goes to a tour champion with extra prize money for the top tour places. Races could vary from 5k to 10k in the hot summer to a early spring and and late fall marathon. Say maybe 12 to 15 races per year. You could even establish tour championship races by designating a few races Championship races (i.e 10k, 1/2 Mar, marathon) with extra prise money and double points.
You could have tour qualifying races or series of races. You could have satellite tours or developmental tours for say "US only runners". A womens tour, a masters tour. Seems like we have been very hodgepodge for the past 30 years on road races with no true professional tour shaping up (although something was tried in early 80's but didn't have proper support, thought behind it).
Something of this type would give something more tangible for US runner after they graduate college (more than racing a 10k for $500, you can't support a family on the possiblity of $500 every third weekend.)
Let me know what you think?
You could have tour qualifying races or series of races. You could have satellite tours or developmental tours for say "US only runners". A womens tour, a masters tour. Seems like we have been very hodgepodge for the past 30 years on road races with no true professional tour shaping up (although something was tried in early 80's but didn't have proper support, thought behind it).
Something of this type would give something more tangible for US runner after they graduate college (more than racing a 10k for $500, you can't support a family on the possiblity of $500 every third weekend.)
Let me know what you think?
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