This is true of clothing, and weight. Everyone who finishes feels they win. They know they have completed the course. That alone is enough for most runners. Others are running for the prize.
Weight is a runners handicap.
In a horse race a few pounds can make a great deal of difference. This is true also in an automobile race. Those who who are in the race of life know what the weight of jealousy, anger, hate, past sins can do. They make for an unhappy person. During the War of 1812 the U.S. had an outstanding sea Captain in the person of John Paul Jones.