RRW suggests restructuring bonuses

With so many events cancelled Race Results Weekly (RRW) suggests that now is a good time for marathon race directors to re-think different aspects of how their events are organised.

One area for possible consideration is their elite athlete time bonus structures which are likely based on out-of-date data, writes RRW. The depth of fast times in some recent marathons has been staggering.

RRW proposes some approaches such as to reduce bonus amounts, shorten bonus schedules, limit bonus depth by place, limit the total bonus pool, shift to private bonuses, offer just a winner bonus, plough the bonus budget into prize money.

As shoe designers from different companies continue to incorporate similar carbon plate and bouncy midsole foam technologies, a new base level of performance will be established and perceptions will be changed. Eventually, times which seemed eye-popping just a few years ago will become the norm. Bonus schedules should be re-calibrated to reflect this.