And now, I'd like to see you runners try one more ten-minute sprint, every one of you in a bunch, as a sort of wind-up for the day." Accordingly they ran off to the starting-point and lined up, each assuming his particular favorite crouching attitude, which he seemed to think best fitted for a speedy "get-away" when the signal was given.
They ran like colts, and some displayed amazing speed, considering that they had been diligently working out on that same cinder-path for over two hours, with little intermissions between for resting.
Those who expected to take part in the Marathon did not attempt to compete with those fleet sprinters, though if they were pressed doubtless they too could give quite an exhibition of fast running.
But Mr.Leonard had taken great pains to inform them that the successful long-distance runners always take things moderately easy in the beginning of a race, preserving as much vigor as possible for the gruelling finish.

The chief idea was to keep just behind the pace-maker, and be ready to rush to the front when on the home-stretch.

The fellow best able to preserve his full powers for that last half-mile dash would be the one to carry off the honors.
Nick Lang was there with the rest, watching Hugh out of the tail of his eye, as if he considered that in the other he would find his chief competitor; possibly he hoped to be able to pick up valuable points by keeping watch and ward on Hugh.

Hugh had even consulted Mr.Leonard with regard to making use of his knowledge concerning that "cut-off." In fact, he wanted to lay any doubt that may have arisen in his own mind concerning its being perfectly legitimate that he should profit by such knowledge.
The athletic instructor assured him he was keeping fully within the conditions of the race in so doing.
"It is any competitor's privilege to go over the route as often as he pleases," was the way Mr.Leonard put it; "and so long as he conforms to the rules, such as keeping on his own feet every yard of the way, accepting no lift from wagon or car, and registering faithfully at the several stations provided, he has done all that is expected of him.

If by crossing a field he thinks he can cut off fifty feet or more he is at liberty to make the attempt, although it may cost him dear, through his meeting with some unexpected obstacle in his progress, which would not have occurred had he stayed by the road.
Some fellows might believe they could do better than trying to cross by way of that overgrown quarry road.