Quote Originally Posted by Marco View Post
But isn't that the whole point of racing, (any racing for that matter), by skilfully judging your effort in such a way that you get around the course in the fastest time possible - regardless of those around you who might be fast starters or doing a negative split?
This is a good point, but there is absolutely no doubt that mass-start racing gives an extra edge.

I raced a track 1500m in April. I was probably in 4:55-4:57 shape even if i'd ran a time trial. But the race edge, and the final 600mtrs toe-to-toe with us both ramping the pace and being equally matched, pushed us both on... i finished in 4:45

Without that battle i'd never have ran that on my own.