We’ve reached the mile post in the Championship Marathon and it’s now between the leading three runners – nobody else can get into the race. Remember, the first two get to race in the Premiership Marathon next year – maybe the third too, but that will be decided later. The lead itself has been changing a lot over the last few miles. The previous leader – who seemed in control of the race - stumbled a few yards back and has been overtaken by the second placed runner. Meanwhile the third placed runner – well over 250 yards behind only 2 miles ago – has fought back to within 20 yards.
At this point the race is as much in the head as it is in the fitness but it does pose a few intriguing questions:
• Did the stumble by the long-time leader denote tiredness, or was it just a slip?
• The new leader has been given the lead by the stumble but hasn’t really looked commanding when in that position previously. Will he now have the incentive (and the determination) to hold on to the finish?
• The third placed runner looks in the best form and is going really well. If he can keep this pace up he will certainly finish in the top two – maybe even win it. But he must have used up a lot of energy in getting back into the race after looking out of it just a few miles back. Although he looks like he has plenty left, will this effort count against him over the last mile?
I just can’t pick the winner here – what do you think Brendan?
At this point the race is as much in the head as it is in the fitness but it does pose a few intriguing questions:
• Did the stumble by the long-time leader denote tiredness, or was it just a slip?
• The new leader has been given the lead by the stumble but hasn’t really looked commanding when in that position previously. Will he now have the incentive (and the determination) to hold on to the finish?
• The third placed runner looks in the best form and is going really well. If he can keep this pace up he will certainly finish in the top two – maybe even win it. But he must have used up a lot of energy in getting back into the race after looking out of it just a few miles back. Although he looks like he has plenty left, will this effort count against him over the last mile?
I just can’t pick the winner here – what do you think Brendan?