Definitely more 5K's and less at distances from 10K and up to but not including the marathon. Because runners have less time and inclination to train these days. For elite athletes it has never been more competitive. The advent of prize money has insured that a number of quality athletes will be on hand to vie for cash awards. Among the card carrying running mainstream however, a tremendous shift has taken place over the past decade.
Road races are much more participatory than competitive.
Nowadays that time will yield a finish in the top half of the field. The main goal for many marathoners nowadays is simply to finish and enjoy the marathon. This trend has manifested itself around the country. That definitely depends upon whom you talk to. In terms of media and runner reverence, undoubtedly the Boston Marathon.