So here's this situation. I'm ranked 3rd at a somewhat big meet. I could probably race conservatively and get 3rd without much problem. However, I want to go big or go home, and try to keep up with the 1 and 2 guys who are around 30 seconds better than my PR. It's a high school meet, so everybody goes out at a stupid pace, and the first 1/2-3/4 mile after the initial 1/8 mile straightaway is NOT easy to pass other people, lots of sharp corners and not too wide. The 1 and 2 guys will probably lead from the start, but there'll be a huge mob of kids who'll end up running 2 or 3 minutes slower than them that stupidly try to keep up with them for a half mile. So here's my question. Do I
A. Try to stay near the leaders while risking wasting some energy going out fast or
B. Hang back at a good pace but risk having TONS of people to pass in an awkward part of the race and still have to make up ground on the leaders?