A Fair Race
Holmes and I were walking through Regent’s Park when we saw two young boys limbering up for a race. Amused, we sat on a nearby bench to watch the spectacle. On a count of three they were off, and in not more than about ten seconds of wild running the taller of the two had reached his destination.
“Not exactly neck and neck, was it, Holmes?” I remarked. “I’d say that chap won by a good five yards. Perhaps they’d better apply some sort of handicap next time.”
Holmes looked thoughtful. “I’d say they were running about 50 yards in total. So let’s say we agree with your estimate that the taller boy won by five yards and, as such, we get him to start the race five yards behind the other. Do you think this measure would even things out?”
I pondered this scenario for a moment. Who would win, assuming they both ran at the same speeds again?