Why do track races involve so much strategy? Shouldn’t runners just go at whatever pace gives them the best time?
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Drafting is actually a real consideration, even at the speeds on foot. Some experimental data [shows](https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20823445/does-drafting-help-in-running/) that in a sprint, you’d be spending 6% less energy if you were directly behind another runner. Therefore, it might be a strategic benefit to be in second place for most of the race, and then sprint out from behind someone who has been taking the air resistance the entire time.
Even if there wasn’t any direct interaction between runners, so much of physical performance is psychological. It’s nearly impossible to just say “I will close my eyes and run the pace that I intend to run without going any faster or slower.” If you’re in the lead, you might let your guard down; if you’re behind, it might spur you to give an extra 1% you didn’t know you had.
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