The Race

Not just the title of one of the greatest one hit wonders of all time by Yello, but also a game played by thousands of commuters daily. A game of which none of us ever speak.

Now I'm not saying that, as a commuter, you've automatically been in The Race, but the chances are you've witnessed it without realising.

The rules are simple. The first rule of The Race is that no-one must ever acknowledge that they are in The Race. It's all done with a quick nudge here and there, and absolutely no eye contact.

Preparation starts on the platform - as the train pulls in, you know which carriage and which door on that carriage to get on the train to make sure you're in the optimum position at the other end of your journey. Seasoned pros have an exact spot on the platform on which they stand.

When the train pulls in at the other end is when the fun starts. Without running, and without letting on that you are in The Race, you must be the first one up the stairs/first one up the escalator/first one through the ticket barrier - you set your own rules.

Most are simply spectators, but for thousands of us, that small victory as you steam through the barriers, muttering "eat my dust bitch" under your breath is a great way to start/finish to your day.

Next time you get off a train - just watch. It's going all around us.

by Norbert Panhandle - Gold medalist in the 18.34 Baker Street to Croxley Challenge Cup.