Road Racing
The roads open up a new area of competition for post-collegiate runners. Races cover a variety of events, with U.S. championships contested for both men and women at distances that have included the mile, 5k, 8k, 10k, 7 mile, 10 mile, 15k, 20k, half marathon, 25k and marathon. There are also races at other distances that award prize money.
USATF Running Circuit
The USATF Running Circuit is a series of road races that are designated as national championship events by USA Track & Field during a particular year. Each race within the circuit offers a significant prize purse. Runners can also obtain points for placing in the top 10 at each of these races to qualify for Running Circuit honors and additional prize money. For more information about the USA Running Circuit and the races scheduled for men and women, visit the USATF Running Circuit website.
Professional Road Running Organization (PRRO)
The Professional Road Running Organization (PRRO) is an alliance of race directors who together organize and promote the PRRO Circuit, a nationwide series of premier non-marathon road racing events. The Circuit's open competition policy (athletes from all countries are eligible) results in the most competitive and high-profile elite fields in the sport at each event. The PRRO Circuit culminates on the Fourth of July 2012 with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race 10k in Atlanta, Georgia. For a list of competitions and more information on the organization, visit www.prro.org.
Road Race Management
Road Race Management keeps a detailed list of events that provide prize money. This is a great resource to utilize when selecting events to run, as many road races provide for prize money around the country. Running in smaller events with a less competitive field can yield decent earnings as you get started.