Resources & Information
FAQs
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You can find a directory of agents on the USATF & World Athletics websites - we have these linked below under the ”Athlete Representatives” section.
When you find an agent you think you might want to work with, talk to athletes and coaches who have worked with them and get their opinions!
Remember that your agent is your advocate. They work for you!
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You have lots of options!
We listed professional teams and their sponsors in the section below. We also listed the clubs that have USATF Elite Developmental distinction. The USATF Elite Developmental designation is for clubs with “the commitment, resources, and record of providing significant assistance to these athletes, thereby making it easier for the athletes to continue high-level, competitive involvement in our sports” (USATF).
A good training environment is essential. So here are some things to consider when picking a team: Where is the team based? What kinds of facilities do they have? Who would your training partners be? Who is the coach? What do retired athletes or athletes who have left the group have to say about it? Are there lots of injuries? Do people get better on the team?
Above all else, make sure the team is a good fit for you!
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There is a huge variance in professional contracts in terms of base salary as well as in bonuses and possible reductions. Some brands offer as little as “gear only” deals. If you’re competitive on the world level in a popular event, you could earn a six figure contract with bonuses, appearance fees, etc.
In addition to a salary from a shoe or apparel sponsor, you can also partner with sponsors in other categories like nutrition, technology, and recovery.
You can also earn prize money at various races.
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Some athletes do receive support from USATF! Here is the 2023 tier criteria from the USATF website. It’s very competitive to get tiered, but if you meet the qualifications you get stipends for medical treatment and coaching, access to health care, and quite a few other benefits.
If you don’t meet the tier criteria yet, you can apply for grants through the USATF Foundation. This is a great organization, separate from USATF, that is helping to support athletes.
Simple Steps to Going Pro
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Figure out what is important to you!
What things are must haves for you, and what things can you compromise on? Is there a place where you want to live? Think about weather and training conditions? What do you need to have in a team, coach, and training partners? What kind of company do you want to sign with? Which shoes do you like the most - are there any you really don’t like? What kind of funding and support do you need? What is a budget you think you can work with?
There are so many important questions to ask yourself before starting the process of looking for a sponsor and a team. Having some of these questions answered can make the rest of the steps a lot simpler.
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Get an agent…or don’t!
An agent can be essential to securing a deal with a sponsor. They will also be able to help with race scheduling, getting you into meets, and travel. But, if you are confident you can do those things on your own, then don’t feel pressured to sign with an agent! An agent will take a percentage of your deal, but if they don’t get you a deal, you don’t pay them.
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Find a team…or don’t!
There are plenty of teams to join all over the country! You can narrow your search down by location if you are set on where you live, or you can narrow it down by team sponsors if there is a brand you really want to sign with (or really don’t want to sign with).
There are lots of things to consider when picking a team! Talk to the coach and any other staff to make sure their vision, training plan, and goals align with yours. Make sure to do your research and talk to current and former athletes on the team. Above all else, make sure the team is a good fit for you!
While it’s uncommon, some brands do sign deals with athletes independent of teams. So, if that is something you want to pursue, make that clear to your agent (if you have one) or to brands when doing negotiations.
Useful Resources
Athlete Representatives
These links will take you to the USATF and World Athletics athlete representative directory. Once on the directory you can click “view details” for more information.
Athletes
Professional athletes who are open to being contacted by developing athletes interested in pursuing a professional track & field career:
Colleen Quigley- colleen@colleenquigley.org
Nikki Hiltz- domdomhiltz@gmail.com
Professional Groups
U.S. based professional running groups, their sponsors & where they are located:
Boston Athletic Association (adidas) - Boston, MA
Golden Coast Track Club (adidas) - San Diego, CA
Brooks Beasts Track Club - Seattle, WA
HOKA Northern Arizona Elite - Flagstaff, AZ
Minnesota Distance Elite - Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
New Balance Boston - Boston, MA
Nike Bowerman Track Club - Eugene, OR
Nike Union Athletics Club - Portland, OR
ON Athletics Club - Boulder, CO
Oregon Track Club (Nike) - Eugene, OR
Puma Elite - North Carolina
Taylor Made Elite - Provo, UT
Team Boss - Boulder, CO
Under Armour Mission Run Dark Sky Distance - Flagstaff, AZ
Under Armour Mission Run Baltimore Distance - Baltimore, MD
Under Armour Mission Run Baltimore 800m - Baltimore, MD
Verde Track Club - Flagstaff, AZ
Angel City Elite (Brooks)- Los Angeles, CA
Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project- Rochester, MI
Very Nice Track Club - Ann Arbor, MI
Mammoth Track Club (ASICS) - Mammoth Lakes, CA
Tinman Elite (adidas) - Boulder, CO
Atlanta Track Club Elite (adidas) - Atlanta, GA
Empire Elite Track Club - New York City Metro Area, NY
Roots Running Project - Boulder, CO
Cascadia Elite (Tracksmith) - Pacific Northwest
Atalanta - New York, NY
Ocean State Athletic Club - Providence RI
USATF Elite Development Clubs
These clubs have “Elite Development” designation from USATF:
Battle Road Track Club - Boston, MA
Boston Athletic Association - Boston, MA
Central Park Track Club - New York, NY
Club Northwest - Seattle, WA
Furman Elite - Greenville, SC
New Balance Garden State Track Club - New Brunswick, NJ
Genesee Valley Harriers - Fairport, NY
Greater Boston Track Club - Boston, MA
HOKA Aggie Running Club - Martinez, CA
Impala Racing Team - San Francisco, CA
Kansa City Smoke - Kansas City, MO
Norfolk Real Deal Track Club - Norfolk, VA
ON Zap Endurance - Blowing Rock, NC
Peninsula Distance Club - Redwood City, CA
Santa Monica Track Club - Santa Monica, CA
Shore Athletic Club - West Long Branch, NJ
Syracuse Chargers Track Club - Baldwinsville, NY
Team Nebraska - Omaha, NE
Twin Cities Track Club - St. Paul, MN
Westchester Track Club - Irvington, NY
Wisconsin Runner Racing Team - Racine, WI
Are we missing a team? Or anything else? Please fill out this form & let us know!
Do you have a question?
Ask it below! Be sure to include your email so we can get back to you with an answer.