I did wonder what was going on, I walked the Crowden to Standedge leg of the PW yesterday and was being overtaken by competitors throughout the whole day, some by as early as 10am, and I believe the race only started at 8am! (I'd taken 2 days to reach that point). After huffing and puffing my way up, I was amazed at how quickly and effortlessly some of them flew up Laddow Rocks.
Massive respect to anyone attempting the race, those are some super fit guys and gals.