| Answer | Crossword Clue |
|---|---|
| OFFTOAGOODSTART | Leading early in the race |
| MRSDOLE | Early dropout in the 2000 presidential race, politely |
| OUTAHEAD | Leading in a race |
| AHEAD | Leading in a race |
| PACER | Leading contestant in a race. |
| PACESETTER | Early leader in a race |
| PACERS | Early leaders in a race. |
| IOWA | Early stop in a presidential race |
| DOYPFX | Poland's premier runner makes a comeback in early race (6) |
