How much does the opening crowd shape the rest of the race?
The current release cannot separate a crowded start from deliberate restraint.
How we measured it. A slow first section alone does not establish congestion. Start waves, corrals, clock times and comparable earlier performance are needed.
Full methodology & sources
Next analysis
Measure: Start delay, first-section pace, catch-up behavior, and the remainder of the race.
Compare: Runners of similar prior ability across waves and corrals. Use crowd and timing evidence to distinguish congestion from deliberate restraint where possible.
Data needed: Individual chip and gun times, wave or corral assignments, checkpoint clock times, and dated start arrangements.