How Much Do Elite Runners Get Paid?

Have you ever wondered how much pro runners earn? Well we have so this week on the podcast we take a deep dive into what runners earn and how they make money. It's not what you might think...
The Running Channel Podcast tackles one big topic each episode, amongst helpful tips and light-hearted chat on the latest news in the running world. Hosted by Sarah Hartley (amateur runner) and Andy Baddeley (former pro runner), the TRC Podcast is friendly, jargon-free, and the perfect accompaniment to your runs.
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Check out our Editorial Policy here: therunningchannel.com/editori...

[@runningchannel]

Just a note: we upload our video versions every 2 weeks here on KZbin but upload an audio version every week on podcast apps like Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. So do head over there and subscribe too so you never miss an episode. We’re early on and still experimenting so please do let us have your feedback!

[@socomfyhere]

Liking the show so far! As others have noted, it's a bit quiet... but if you increase the sound, please consider also adding those mic protectors to reduce mouth sounds (pop screen or something?)

[@hairyairey]

Yes, put the podcast number in the title please!

[@1969mmoldovan]

Too much blabla coming from the two of you...Get off your arses and off onto the running track with the bunch of you

[@jimcrants7517]

I started running regularly 3-1/2 years ago because I found that it was the one reliable way to get my brain to shut up. I was having something of a breakdown, spending hours each day ruminating uselessly about my problems, and I found that if I ran for a few minutes at a time (which was all I could manage then), I'd get a few minutes without rumination. Based on the Daily Mail article, I would think that was really unhealthy, but my own experience has been that these breaks from rumination were critical to my being able to get back to reality and cope with it. At this point, I don't have anything to run from, per se, but I find that regular running is still great for my mental health.

[@joneaton3366]

It's about time we followed along a journey of Andy training for a marathon 😊

[@runningchannel]

We agree! Andy doesn’t.

[@hairyairey]

@@runningchannel 😂

[@klewis2048]

I think you handled that addiction article well. I’m a long time sober and my addiction almost killed me. Running will never do that to me.

[@runningchannel]

Glad to hear your on the right track now Kevin 😊

[@brakkybru]

Really loving the podcast! It reminds me of the old TRC monthly shows, which I miss. Always great to hear runners talk about running. :)

[@runningchannel]

Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying it and with these you don’t even have to wait a month!

[@Panasonic-paul]

To be honest about the addiction and impact item, I've started running 2 years ago after being diagnosed with ptsd because of my work. It provides me with a great escape but also is an unhealthy way of dealing with life issues because of the fact that it's never enough. The feeling of completely getting detached from heartache is never long enough and ends up in runners knee and similar niggles.... which in it's own way is a disappointment and makes me want to go run even more. So that is a circle that is hard to get out of. Nevertheless i love your channel and it has brought me more running enthusiasm I've ever had. Thanks for that and hope you keep it up.

[@tonyeaster6861]

Another brilliant session 😊 - well done TRC. I fell in love with The Tunnel run when I first heard about it last year - it's now on my bucket list for 2024....

[@Emma-ix6bz]

Love the video version of the podcast!! Please keep these up!

[@petewilcock]

General audio gain needs to be higher guys. I noticed with Ep 1 too that I was having to whack the volume way up relative to other things I listen to.

[@runningchannel]

Sorry about that. Noted.

[@Rickles]

@@runningchannel No worries but agreed. I typically listen to stuff with my Aftershockz in the shower post run but some low mixed audio including this podcast is too low to hear.

[@Thewebmastercom]

I've been listening to the podcasts on Spotify, and I must admit, it's really good. The longer format than your usual videos works really well.

[@runningchannel]

Really glad you're enjoying it! 😁

[@pballfin]

I love this so much. I find it so interesting listening to how the pros get along.

[@adamhenley8295]

Was listening to this podcast earlier this morning on my recovery run - had to smile at the average salary guesses Was recovering from a 3 minute PB at parkrun the day before 👍

[@russellscott8280]

Enjoying the podcast guys but please turn the volume up! Tried listening while running a few times and couldn't hear you as soon as a car came close or it was even windy. Looking forward to next episodes.

[@runningchannel]

Noted! We’re getting the hang of it.

[@chi-kitpang6316]

Really enjoyed the podcast. Great insights on athlete’s earnings, running addiction and jet lag hacks to name a few!

[@jimfrazier1073]

Love it, keep up the good work.

[@mkdesu]

I'm super interested! Looking forward to more,

[@owenspottiswoode5936]

On the last question about cross training: as someone who got into Zwift cycling this winter to conquer my aversion to going out running when it's wet, cold and dark (I know, pitiful when we've just been hearing about people willing to run for actual days in an underground tunnel...) I can report that it's done wonders for my running. It's taken a good 8-10% out of my 5K and 10K PBs. Granted I'm definitely more toward the hobbyist end of the spectrum - no shoe company is going to spend any money on me, except perhaps to wear a rival brand's trainers, thereby tarnishing their reputation irreparably - so I don't know whether it scales linearly if you're already regularly doing sub 20/sub 40, but the ability to hop on a bike and climb up Mont Ventoux after putting the kids to bed has been an absolute revelation for me. Also, the three of you are *so* good at this format - no wonder it's been such a hit!

[@ThatRunnerAaron]

Love this podcast, please keep doing it!

[@runningchannel]

We will! Thanks for listening Joe.

[@kingsley6236]

I really like these pod casts, they are strangely relaxing and enjoyable. Thank you Running Channel for this!

[@runningchannel]

Glad you like them!

[@kingsley6236]

@@runningchannel Was really good meeting the Running Channel team at the National Running Show. Great talks from Anna and the rest of the crew

I’ve been supplementing my running with non-competitive race-walking over the last months. For instance, I race-walk when I go shopping on foot, so I also have to carry the extra weight of the groceries during my way home. I believe it can help improve the speed of the foot rebound, and strengthen quadriceps and calf muscles.

[@DaveMcc]

Ep03? I thought this was 2? Or is this a clever way of playing the algorithm. P.S Great Ep, love the chemistry of the team!

[@runningchannel]

So we’re uploading weekly onto Spotify, Apple Podcasts etc but bi-weekly to KZbin so this is the second video episode uploaded but the third one in total.

[@liamroche1473]

I now see there is an Ep02 on Spotify - called "Running Paces Explained and Why Sarah Runs Too Fast" (capitalisation faithfully copied) that has no associated video. So everyone needs to go to their favourite podcast provider right now!

[@DaveMcc]

Oh no! I'll add you to my podcast list on there then thanks for the heads up! Gives me something to listen to in the morning

[@MrDjpaulh1982]

Thanks for answering my question about the bike. I bought it because of all the snow and couldn’t go out running and was wondering how it would benefit me if I added it in. Thanks again 👍

[@chrismorris7314]

I live in Bath, the 200 mile race is in an old railway tunnel that now makes up part of a footpath that the general public can use every day. The tunnel is lit up though with lights along the route and even a bit of music playing!!

[@chrisbull845]

I read that piece about the tunnel ultra too. The location is actually commonly known as the Two Tunnels as there are two separate tunnels in length there (it's an old disused trainline route). I've walked through it before a good few times and it's great. They even pipe music through it. It's dark but it's not pitch black as there are low level lights placed throughout it. They even use it for a bike lane, and so you've no problem about stumbling into folk. So you can sign Andy up for that ultra now safe in the knowledge that he won't be running 200 miles in one mile loops in the absolute dark 😂

[@Aeronwor]

Cycling is a really great addition to training, also the best life hack you can do is incorporate your training into your commute. Swimming is a great form of low impact aerobic training. Basicly become a triathlete. :D

[@liamroche1473]

The podcast only episode "Running Paces Explained And Why Sarah Runs Too Fast" was a hoot!

[@hollyandersen9394]

I cycle to and from work (11 miles five times a week). Done it for years so I know that I’ve basically plateaued, especially as I do not try incorporating faster sections etc. With summer holidays as a school teacher I end up dropping that biking mileage down significantly as I really use it to commute/get around town. What I did notice this past summer when running is, as the summer progressed, I felt it was more difficult to do similar runs even though I was doing the same amount of running miles as I had been during the school year. So while I do not consider my commute to be cross training it does have a benefit to my running and overall fitness.

[@cezzadenning91]

I was given the “brush your teeth on one leg tip” after I fractured my ankle to help rebuild strength. It was odd at first but got used to it. Should probably start doing it again.

[@sheilam4525]

Really interesting!

[@robonixon83]

Hopefully Sarah will be fine navigating around Osaka. After the initial culture shock, I found it pretty simple. Most transit signs are subtitled in English and the people are generally friendly. Some people love the chance to practice English. Good luck!

[@dentonliving5299]

Great podcast

[@runningchannel]

Thanks!

[@edwardchatwin3584]

Having very recently gotten into ultra running, I love hearing Sarah's curiosity and love for it shining through. Can you be tempted into signing up for Ultra X Scotland Sarah? 🤣

[@mattschm5486]

Training for wjs marathon in Taiwan along the coast right now. Will be my first marathon and I aim for 3:30. I’m quite interested what I can manage. Normally I do trailrunning so it’s a bit of a change for me. My longest run so far was 39.8km 2465m +(and - the downhill was actually the hardest part of the run) in about 7:30

[@theagapepages]

As a pole vaulter (don't laugh) in college in the 90s, I would get terrible shin splints during the indoor track season. At the time, doctors treated the condition with orthotics in my spikes and running shoes. Supposedly, my shin splints were attributed to "falling arches". Thankfully, I've never had shin splints from distance running, though.

[@ThatRunnerAaron]

Wish it was longer!

[@danniseliger5172]

Don't know if anyone will read this but... Shin splints are usually caused by eccentric loading of the shin in order to decellerate the foot AFTER the heel has made ground contact. To protect the foot from slapping into the ground. Mechanically you can reduce this load by doing less of a heel strike. You can 1) reduce speed (overstride/heel strike/ground reaction forces) 2) Increase cadence (reduce overstride/heel strike/ground reaction forces) 3) Get a shoe with reduced heel-drop (reduce heel strike/ground reaction forces) 4)reduce training volume 5) Increase recovery times 6) Increase tissue tolerance (strength training the shins (not the calfs) They all work so do experiment... most hobby runners would do well with an increased cadence though. Your friendly neighbourhood physiotherapist

[@michaeleaton6249]

I'm loving this but prefer to watch the video version - where is Episode 2?

[@michaeleaton6249]

And i've just read your pinned comment.... 😂

[@shinynewstewardofthebutter4148]

I like the idea of sending Andy to see what this tunnel ultra is all about 😊

[@runningchannel]

Ha! We like the idea of it too… Andy, not so much.

[@tak4043]

One thing with adding regular cycling is that hills don't feel like hills anymore while running.

[@gdpjon991]

hasnt the RC done a video on the tunnel race?

[@dannyalden6660]

Where can I find Ep. 2 on KZbin? Don't want to miss out

[@runningchannel]

So we upload every week on Spotify, Apple Podcasts etc but video podcast is once every 2 weeks. So make sure you subscribe via a podcast app for *every* episode.

[@rolandjamesasuncion1574]

The ep2 is only available on your website. Wont it have a video on YT?

[@runningchannel]

2 of our podcasts are filmed a month 😁

[@LisaBartlettREALTOR]

I'd love to know, in general, when a podcast says they have a sponsor what are they being paid by that product?

[@mattschm5486]

In Germany the guys are mostly in the military or police and are in a sports group in there where they get their normal military salary and have the time to train

[@mrpoutine6588]

I don't see the EP02 on the channel anywhere?

[@runningchannel]

Hi Chris - we upload every week on Spotify, Apple Podcasts etc but video podcast is once every 2 weeks. So make sure you subscribe via a podcast app for *every* episode.

[@psyskeptic9979]

I'm quite a few minutes in, and I still have not heard how much they earn.

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

Re-shin splints, when i started running i had shin pain, don't know if i was starting to get shin splints but i got a new pair of runners and stopped using my old previously unused runners and the pain started to go away. Now i have no shin pain.

[@runningchannel]

That's great! Poor fitting shoes can often lead to injury, so it's very important they are the right size 😁

[@scottcollier9178]

What about lottery funding for UK athletes?

[@DavidMellorCitSci]

The dark tunnel run would make for a boring video- until the end when a crazed and blind Andy stumbles out muttering nonsense. Go for it! But if you don’t do that, I want to see the Running Channel do a RunDisney race please

[@ramblingremedies]

Hi guys! I'm looking to do some 10k's this year and maybe another HM, but I find the number of websites advertising runs nationwide to be overwhelming. Is there a website you would recommend that encompasses all the information succinctly?

[@runningchannel]

We tend to use websites like LetsRun and Letsdothis as they seem to be the most reliable😊

[@ramblingremedies]

@@runningchannel Thanks!

[@mattschm5486]

Don’t drink too much sake/gaoliang the day before the run is my tip

[@miketomkins5171]

The spikes around the neck is a revelation which I never even considered, that's an amazing bit of sneaky sponsorship

[@klausnielsen7111]

I'll try brushing my teeth standing on one leg... great tip....

[@runningchannel]

🦵🦷

[@davidjuson5608]

Sod the Tunnel Ultra! I'm 71-years-old and I am not ready for a mid-life crisis.

[@runningchannel]

😂😂😂

[@AlioH89]

I went to a physio for shin splints a few years ago and it was because of tight calves

[@runningchannel]

Ouch! is it all sorted now?

[@defeqel6537]

Compression socks really help me

[@AlioH89]

@@runningchannel Pretty much. It was I think 5 years ago I had a few physio sessions including massages and took away a list of exercises to do. I do still get tight calfs at times but never to the point of causing shin splints. I would have given up running if I hadn't got it sorted, so painful.

[@maryrosecarman3902]

I also stand on one leg when brushing my teeth!

[@saintsaens21]

I really wish pro events were more publicized, and the best would become household names among the running community. My other hobby is chess and streamed events where the best players are contending can attract north of 100k viewers.

[@watfordoutwell]

Hi, love the podcast. With 7 weeks to go until a 10k and with a good base, what are the key workouts to get my mile/race pace up. Legs feel sluggish after a long base period.

[@runningchannel]

Variation is key when it comes to getting your pace and distance up. Try and have a mixture of interval sessions, long easy runs and hill reps😁 Have you had a look at any of our free training plans?

[@OmahaTonyG]

Since ultra running is a newer sport, I’m surprised there aren’t more mid tier elite runners who are switching to ultras.

[@runningchannel]

A few have moved over into that field 😁

[@raizeliniz]

Result?

[@thomasflaherty5623]

Did i miss EP02?

[@runningchannel]

We’re uploading video versions every 2 weeks but if you want *every* weekly episode do head to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts etc.

[@TheHutchRuns]

Hello, my name is Martin and I'm addicted to running...🤣

[@markbateman9222]

Re runners' earnings; interesting to hear Andy's comments on how little even top class athletes earn. One question, however. how do these runners who might make UK teams for World Champs and Olympic Games but aren't medal winners or record holders manage to go on all the overseas training camps that they are regularly pictured participating in? They cannot have anything like "proper" jobs, but live a lifestyle that most of us can only envy. Also, don't some shoe companies provide living accommodation for groups of athletes - like the New Balance group that a fellow KZbinr has recently moved to Manchester to join? Plenty of these groups in the US. You might not make any money but all living expenses are paid by the shoe company.

[@TheNDofUO]

In general the UK is low wage compared to America. Most jobs will pay double in America compared to the UK.

[@wmqga2n45h3]

I can barely hear you guys on the highest volume setting. Is this just me?

[@runningchannel]

Hmmmm that's bizarre, are you using headphones? And is it just on the youtube version you can't hear us or on the podcast itself as well?

[@Stevenc1984]

Wait a minute... Andy and Sarah wear jeans! 👖🤯

[@runningchannel]

We know! 😱 We were confused too! 😂

[@TheHutchRuns]

There's no 'r' in Podcast (or ask ) 😁

[@hairyairey]

Sarah, toothbrushing on one leg - is that a hint from Becs Gentry? I remember her suggesting that in one of her sessions. Also, completely agree about running not being the only thing in your life. As you know, my faith in Jesus is the biggest help in my life. Running comes third at least. Because I'm married of course!

[@jodibeck]

It always amazes me how arguably the sport with the biggest participation rate pays its athletes so low. It just highlights that the sports companies are underpaying athletes. Also the athletics sporting bodies are so incompetent at promoting athletics. They need to promote the sport and think outside the box & transition normal runners to fans of sport not just a runner

[@sloesty]

Karel Sabbe is an ultra runner with a few world records and he is a full time dentist. Needless to say, do not look at running as a potential source of income.

[@RyanSmith-hf7gc]

If you have shin splints, definitely foam roll your calves every day

[@jwuertz7101]

One of the other aspects of athlete pay in the US is gender. As we've seen with soccer, big win on getting recognition for trying to level the pay discrepancy. If you read the stories of many Olympians, they rely on a spouse or living with their parents to off set costs, aside from having jobs that work around their training schedules. Thanks for bringing up this topic!

[@petewilcock]

Even Andy admits himself only big names get appearance fees. Pay is always commensurate with popularity and thereby marketability. It's not sexist. Are you busy campaigning for male fashion models to get paid the same as women, who receive far more? Thought not.

[@multiplemiggs5189]

Wow , wearing civies! Shocking 😀

[@yamanalzaghal7518]

How much??

[@runningchannel]

Haha watch the video or listen to the podcast and you will find out 😁

[@AnthonyMcqueen1987]

A lot less than most professional athletes these days compared to the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Very few are millionaires in the distance running world.

[@runningchannel]

Very true.

That’s why you should never take advice from professional athletes on running gear, sports watches, run hydration and “fueling,” food supplementation or any other marketable stuff, because of conflicts of interest.

[@joren6150]

It's pretty weird seeing them in normal, non-running clothes

[@runningchannel]

We had to buy them these clothes as they don’t have any non-running ones.

[@joren6150]

@@runningchannel hahahaha this comment made my day :)

[@stevemitchell4238]

Hang on so Usain Bolt gets paid? I don’t get a penny! What about equal pay

[@razvanpaleacu3613]

First

[@paulharvey4403]

At some point, the running world will need to address long-distance travelling. I appreciate Sarah is young and wants to see the world. But this tip is 4 tonnes of CO2. The inconvenient truth is that air travel costs the planet. Innes FitzGerald turned down a place on the UK team, as she said. “I was just nine when the Cop21 Paris climate agreement was signed. Now, eight years on, global emissions have been steadily increasing, sending us on a path to climate catastrophe.” No answers just thoughts

[@lovetorun8517]

Sub’d to your channel on my podcast app and shot out a quick review to help you grow!

[@runningchannel]

Thanks! That’s really appreciated.

[@suatuhari1820]

First