Field is the set of contestants in the race. It consists of all the participants, the best to the novices.
In running, the type and number of the group influence the course of the race. Groups at the beginning cause congestion, opportunities to benefit from others, and intricate strategies. In graded races, the groups are split into waves, ages, or skill to ensure safety and fairness. An athlete is able to view the group’s strength and makeup to know the competition, the pace, and the position tactics beforehand and during the race.
