backmarkers
Last-place race participants
Backmarkers are competitors at the rear of a race, far behind the leaders.
The term comes from motorsport and cycling, where slower vehicles or riders being lapped can affect the frontrunners' strategy: The leader had to navigate through backmarkers on the final lap.
By extension, backmarkers are those trailing in any competitive field.
Those in last positions
- stragglersThose who fall behind
- laggardsThose who trail behind
- rearguardTroops protecting retreating forces
- outpacedExceeded in speed
overtaken · qualifying · circuit · racecourse · peloton · drafting · slipstream · DNF
Defeated contestants collectively
- underdogsCompetitors expected to fail
- trailingFollowing behind something
- tail-endersThose coming in last
- outsidersThose not belonging
relegated · standings · rank · underperformers · winless · pointless · outclassed
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
persistence · finishing · completing · endurance · resolve · dedication · commitment · steadfastness
tailenders
Those in last positions
- stragglersThose who fall behind
- laggardsThose who trail behind
- rearguardTroops protecting retreating forces
outpaced · overtaken · qualifying · circuit · racecourse · peloton · drafting · slipstream · DNF · chicane
also-rans
Defeated contestants collectively
- underdogsCompetitors expected to fail
- trailingFollowing behind something
- tail-endersThose coming in last
outsiders · relegated · standings · rank · underperformers · winless · pointless · outclassed
determination
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
fortitude · persistence · finishing · completing · endurance · resolve · dedication · commitment · steadfastness · doggedness
backmarkersfrontrunners
Those leading a competition
leaders · front-runners · lead pack · vanguard · pace-setters
backmarkersfavorites
Most preferred choices
frontrunners · contenders · leaders · favourites · elite runners