Chris, good choice of race, you'll love it.

In answer to your queries, a small group of slower runners have set off (I think) 30 minutes before the main field....or it might have been an hour, can't remember. The advantage is obviously not having to worry about time-outs, the disadvantage is nobody to follow for quite a while!!

Re your second question, the race starts by the cafe, heads initially up the main Carding Mill path but then goes left and, as you correctly state, up past Light Spout waterfall.

Obviously, I'm not aware of your speed, but I'd say the only cut-off most have to "worry" about is the first one. Get through that fine and they seem to get easier as they go on.

Enjoy!!!