I was within 5 yards of all the runners as they climbed the hill, and Alston looked to be pushing the hill very, very hard. Brutally would be more like it. My greatest knowledge in running is in uphill running, and I whinced at the effort that Alston was putting out. Roger pointed out that runners lose ground to one another here because someone slows down. Runners rarely gain ground by accelerating away from other runners.
Experienced runners know better.
Meanwhile, to get better footing, Roger swung out to the grass on the right side of Harry. Roger pulled alongside Harry on the climb. Side by side, the difference in their hill running was clear. Had it been a judge's call here, the edge was with Roger. As Roger pointed out, Alston was already making the next turn as Roger's siteline rose above ground level on his way up the Bowl's hill.