My 2010 US Distance Running Trade Values mega column is up! (Last year's column is here.) In the column I break down the top 50 distance runners in the US--all distances, all ages, all genders--and rank them. In the process we look at the state of US distance running in a number of events and we see a number of huge stars unable to crack the top 10. Here's the ranking criteria:
1. Legacy is primary. Legacy is created by:
A. championships (IAAF, US, NCAA, HS)
B. records (world, US, NCAA, US JR, HS)
C. qualifying for national teams
D. consistently performing at top of US
2. This year has priority, but insanely great future projections definitely matter.
3. Age matters. Do you want Meb (36) or Hall (28)? Kara Goucher (30) or Jenny Barringer (23)?
4. Money matters. Athletes roughly grouped into the following categories based on money earned through running only:
A. Superstar ($75k+)
B. Prospect (student and future superstar)
C. Tour Pro (20k-75k)
D. Up and Comer (student, future tour pro)
E. Dreamer (0-20k)
F. Dan Wilson
5. Gender does not matter. Would you rather have Angela Bizzarri or Dorian Ulrey? Fair question.
6. Only distance running. 800m to marathon.
7. Pretend the following rule was passed: Any runner can be traded at this moment without affecting college/high school eligibility, but runners would be bound by college/high school rules in terms of ability to make money. You will coach them throughout whatever levels they advance to. So, is the legacy a high school/collegiate athlete could set in school worth more than money being made by a pro today?
So are you ready to see who the top-ranked distance runners are today? Click here to read the entire article.
The ranking criteria seems to be high for others.
Posted by: ask a doctor | April 13, 2010 at 09:42 AM