All but 11 of the 29 Democratic candidates in 2020 dropped out before the first votes were cast in the Iowa caucuses; those also-rans spent almost $200 million combined, according to Federal Election Commission data.

Source: https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/will-hurd-rough-ride-trump-desantis-rcna90628

Conventional wisdom suggests that Trump and DeSantis may bludgeon each other significantly enough to open a new lane that won’t be filled by any of the milquetoast Haley-Pompeo-Pence also-rans, who are barely able to make a noise amid the clatter.”

Source: https://politicalwire.com/2023/02/16/some-republicans-may-try-a-late-entry-in-2024-primary/

Harvard and Northeastern clashed in the title game for the first time in the 70-year history of the Beanpot and the tournament’s perennial also-rans staged a classic.

Source: https://www.bostonherald.com/2023/02/13/boston-college-beats-rival-boston-university-in-beanpot-consolation/

If we assume that this year the sports betting sector will generate $7.6b in total revenue, Barstool's share after more than four years at it is pooled among the also-rans.

Source: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4658283-walt-disney-espn-bet-launch-could-punch-above-weight?source=feed_all_articles

Joanne: Well you said it was a Grand National for also-rans.

Source: https://www.joe.ie/sport/donal-og-cusack-joanne-cantwell-774403