Thanks for those updates vf, much appreciated.
Astralcharmer, I know exactly what you mean that National day used to be more exciting than Christmas Day. I can’t see the modern version of the race getting such a hold on people, or attracting newcomers to the sport in the same way.
We are never going to get the race back as it was though and, with reluctance, I think most of the changes made over the years have been necessary. Although quite a lot of the magic has gone, I am glad it is still around, and it still manages to make my pulse quicken as the runners line up.