Marathon: Radcliffe's earning power to surge - if she wins tomorrow's marathon

Matthew Beard
Friday 20 August 2004 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Although the Olympic tradition of amateurism will deny Paula Radcliffe prize money if she wins the marathon tomorrow, she may yet double her earnings.

Although the Olympic tradition of amateurism will deny Paula Radcliffe prize money if she wins the marathon tomorrow, she may yet double her earnings.

With a combination rare for any British athlete of Olympic gold and world record, she would become an irresistible attraction to race organisers and sponsors already happy with her anti-doping stance.

In two years of marathon running and three races she has earned an estimated £2m, including more than £600,000 in appearance fees and bonuses when she broke the world record at last year's London marathon. It was a feat that prompted the organiser of the cash-rich Chicago marathon to put a $1m (£550,000) price tag on Radcliffe simply turning up at future events. Nike, the sportswear manufacturer, is believed to be offering her a $200,000 win bonus for tomorrow's race.

"If she wins it will confirm her as the greatest distance runner Britain has ever produced" said David Bedford, the organiser of the London marathon. "She will become the most recognised person in the UK if she wins."

Radcliffe's entourage has grown and she is now on the roster of the marketing company Octagon. However, her earnings are unlikely to match the tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, who have signed a $40m deal with Nike.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in