There are perks to being an elite runner: complimentary race entries, travel assistance, free hotel stay, performance bonuses, even VIP porta-potties. The list of luxuries goes on and on. But many of these perks are available to sub-elite runners, if you know where to look or if you know the secret handshake. The key is finding the best races that cater to runners who aren’t quite national class, but are still very good runners.
So, how do you know where to find these races? Well, I’ve asked some of my friends to share their favorites and tell us about their experience as a sub-elite. And I’ve included some of my own favorites as well!