We almost never waited more than 5 minutes. Jim Bulluck had a Sunday School class to teach.
Everyone starts together. Well, we kinda had to, it was the start, after all.
First mile, we pretty much ran together, no matter the talent or fitness level. Choo started this by just naturally running with whomever showed up. Someone always ran with "the new guy," whatever the pace or distance. It was unwritten, but we just didn't want anyone running alone. This led to a nice pack of runners on 5th street towards campus. Felt great.
Somewhere along the line, runners would separate by speed. It was always accompanied by "I'll see you at the end," or whatever. Rarely did anyone just bolt. If someone did, it was always accompanied by "what's up with him?"
Getting water was on your own. By the time we got to Arlington and Memorial, no one was interested in playing catch-up, anyway.
Everyone waited for all to finish. Again, Choo and I never discussed it, we just did it. Often, the lead pack would circle back up to finish with the next group, etc. It felt as good as when we all started together. We'd shoot the breeze a little, talk a bit, then go home with the day well begun.