More About Aspire OTQ
Bridging The Gap
Many high-achieving post-collegiate runners struggle to bridge the gap between college and earning their first professional contracts, especially the financial cost of pursuing an Olympic dream. A notable milestone on this journey is achieving an OTQ (Olympic Trials Qualifier), which is the time standard required to compete at the Olympic Trials.
In addition to the huge time commitment required to be a professional athlete, expenses for equipment, coaching, and traveling to the right meets must be covered. Colorado athletes in particular must travel to out-of-state competitions to secure their Olympic Trials qualifying marks, and sharpen their competitive skills. While some athletes do earn sufficient money from corporate sponsorships, most do not.
Aspire OTQ’s purpose is to provide financial support to elite runners who train in Boulder, are engaged in the community, yet lack full corporate sponsorship. Aspire OTQ is currently working with an initial group of seven athletes who are aiming for the Olympic Trials and the 2024 Olympic Games. Meet the athletes.
Athlete Eligibility
Aspire OTQ is supporting an initial group of seven runners through the 2024 Olympic cycle. As fundraising continues, it may become possible to extend grants to additional athletes.
Selection criteria to receive financial support from Aspire OTQ includes:
- Athletes who train in and are actively engaged in our local community
- Athletes are under-sponsored and working full or part-time jobs while training
- Athletes who have achieved the OTQ standard, or demonstrated the potential to do so
- Athletes who understand the value of giving back to the community and collaborating with Aspire OTQ to support current and future grant recipients
2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials
Marathon — February 3, Orlando, FL
Men’s Start: 10:10 a.m. EST
Women’s Start: 10:20 a.m. EST
Track & Field — June 21-30, Hayward Field, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Get Involved
BRR Members. Join or renew your BRR membership. Up to 20% of BRR membership proceeds support community initiatives like Aspire OTQ
Donate. Donations are critical to this program’s success. Contributions go directly to fund this initiative.
Sponsorship. Aspire OTQ is a great opportunity to support local Olympic hopefuls, and gain visibility through social media, articles, events, and other Aspire OTQ promotions. Please email president@boulderroadrunners.com to speak with an Aspire OTQ committee member.
Tax Deductible Information
Contributions go directly to support the Aspire OTQ initiative, a Boulder Road Runners’ program. Boulder Road Runners is a 501(c)(3) organization. EIN: 74-2112576. For more information, visit www.boulderroadrunners.org.