A recent Road Race Management survey of about 150 elite athletes, coaches, agents, and elite athlete recruiters on their perceptions of drug use in distance running, resulted in some startling findings. A complete report is published in the August issue of Road Race Management Newsletter.

According to Phil Stewart, Editor of Road Race Management, "The survey indicates that respondents feel if drug testing is done aggressively -- in and out-of-competition -- it can deter and detect usage to some extent. However, there is also significant skepticism that this is being done effectively today."

Survey Results

1. 33% of U.S. respondents think a quarter of top finishers in Olympics, World Championship and major marathons use banned substances.


2. Only 5% think the above athletes are drug-free.


3. Most believe use among foreign world class athletes is higher than among Americans ---29% of all respondents think half of foreign athletes are users.


4. Respondents think distance running's problem is as serious as that of track and field, with 45% saying banned drug use is about the same in each facet of the sport.


5. Almost 29% believe current drug testing is ineffective, while 66% believe a combination of out-of-competition and in-competition testing can be effective.


6. 27% lack confidence in USADA and WADA, while 39% had a favorable opinion.


7. A majority (53%) feel foreign athletes competing in the US are less likely to be tested than U.S. athletes and among U.S. athletes, 67% feel foreigners are less tested than American athletes.


8. 70% do not believe drug testing can eliminate the use of drugs in distance running.

Road Race Management is a monthly newsletter covering the management of the sport of distance running. It also conducts an annual race director's meeting (October 12-14) in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The survey was conducted in July and August of 2006. Copies of the August issue are available for $10, while annual subscriptions are $97.00.