REPORTER:

(Enters with microphone) We've just crossed live to the Lifelong Olympic Marathon. We're here at checkpoint 2117 to talk to some of the athletes who've made it this far. (Goes over to athlete in chair) Excuse me, are you one of the race officials?

ATHLETE 1:

(Affronted) No, no, no, I'm an athlete.

REPORTER:

(Confused) Then why aren't you running?

ATHLETE 1:

I got sick of it.

REPORTER:

(Shocked) Sick of it!

ATHLETE 1:

You try running day in day out. Besides, my feet hurt. (Offers peanuts) Care for a peanut?

REPORTER:

But what about the prize? Isn't that worth a couple of sore feet? Don't you care about winning?

ATHLETE 1:

I got offered a different prize. I took a contract to do promotional ads for peanuts.

REPORTER:

What, it didn't pay very well?

ATHLETE:

No, for peanuts. (Points to peanuts) And, let me tell you, it was for big bucks, not just peanuts. I don't have to run or anything, they just take shots that make it look like I'm running. (Offers peanuts again) Sure you don't want one?

REPORTER:

(Can't believe it) So you quit the race for peanuts?

ATHLETE 1:

Well, they are quite good. (Offering peanuts) You should try one.

REPORTER:

But they're nothing compared to the prize!

ATHLETE 1:

You haven't even tried them yet! (Temptingly offering peanuts) Go on, have a go.

REPORTER:

(Crossly) Look, stop offering me peanuts! I don't want a peanut! I don't even like peanuts! What I want to do is interview an athlete.

ATHLETE 1:

But I'm . . .

REPORTER:

One that is actually running, not sitting around scoffing peanuts!

ATHLETE 2:

(Enters running, stops, jogs on spot and takes pulse, notices others) Beautiful day for a run, isn't it? Invigorating! You feel so alive!

REPORTER:

(Going over to athlete 2) So you're one of the runners.

ATHLETE 2:

Yes, of course. (Has a sip out of water bottle)

ATHLETE 1:

(Offering peanuts) Would you like a peanut to go with that?

REPORTER:

(Glaring at athlete 1) Do you mind! (Moves athlete 2 away from 1) How are you finding the race so far?

ATHLETE 2:

(Doing exercise routine while reporter tries to follow mouth with microphone) Well, the terrain varies a lot, some bits are good, others are not so good, but I'm getting closer to the prize all the time.

REPORTER:

How far have you got to go?

ATHLETE 2:

I don't know. It doesn't matter. I've just got to keep on running and not look back. (Starts running on spot)

REPORTER:

What position are you in?

ATHLETE 2:

That's not important. It's finishing the race that counts and winning that prize. (Starts to run off past 1)

ATHLETE 1:

(Offering peanuts again) Are you sure I can't tempt you with a peanut?

ATHLETE 2:

(Jogging on spot, shaking head) No, no mustn't get distracted, I've got a race to run and a prize to win.

ATHLETE 1:

But they're very good!

ATHLETE 2:

(Running off) Not as good as the prize . . .

REPORTER:

(To audience) Well, there you have it, ladies and gentlemen, peanuts or the prize. As we cross back to the studio, this race begs an important question. What prize are you running for? (Exits)

ATHLETE 1:

(Following him out, says to audience) Would you care for a peanut? (Exits)