In the course of the half-mile trip, the slower runners lagged behind.

The faster runner has to pull up and wait for the slower runner before taking the baton.

However, slower runners can sometimes be thrown out at first base even if the ball is hit over the outfield fence.

It can present a problem for slower runners who were hoping the ball would bounce all the way to the fence.

Randolph had thought Matsui deliberately let the ball drop to get a slower runner at first base.

To the Sports Editor: The marathon is a big challenge, even for slower runners.

Warmer weather had a greater effect on slower runners.

One reason, Montain said, could be that slower runners spend more time on the course, and the temperature generally rises through the day.

Or it could be because slower runners tend to run with a larger pack.

But drinking too much can cause a potentially fatal condition called hyponatremia that's on the rise among slower runners.