@PizzaDemon @futurebird @MarkHoltom A male runner keeping pace with the female leaders is still a high level elite runner, though not in contention to win the men's division. He'll likely have *trained* with the weight of a hydration vest, the aid of a carer, or both. But *racing* at that level, he wouldn't want the extra weight, and personal staff are likely banned from aid stations.

This is all on the organizers.