3 runners with the same ability - who would be the fastest in a race?

I will go with runner #2. A lot of it would probaby depend how long they were on the workout plan. In the first 4-8 weeks I might pick runner #1. Anything past 8 week I would have to go with runner #2. In a 5k I really don't think the 20 extra miles helping runner #3 as much as the extra workout would.

It is really impossible to tell b/c you could have 10 people do the same program and they would do it a different way. I know when I run "80 mpw", I do at least 85. I always under-estimate my mileage and I do lots of strides and some hill sprints as well. If the 3rd runner did strides and hill sprints then there would be a nice competition between runners 2 and 3. However, many runners do "tempo runs" that aren't scheduled. They at least will do moderate days b/c they are feelinf good. My guess is that you would have a hard time getting someone to actually stick with that 3rd schedule.