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Hello, Elle!
I hope to see Kathrine Switzer on Sunday, no 261.
Same number she had in Boston all those years ago!
I have read she is the official starter, too?
Elsewhere, I read that it is the Queen?
I'm sure Steve Cram will keep us right!
I think Miss ATW and me will be going to Pine Cone.
All quiet on the Miss La Bamba front!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, it will indeed be interesting to see Kathrine Switzer on Sunday.........
She is some game lady still to be taking part in Marathons at her age!
Now I understood that the Queen will start proceedings from the grounds of Windsor Castle......
I think last year Princes William and Harry started the event (or am I misremembering there?)
Well, it will be a nice drive out to the Pine Cone, if the weather is as its been for last few days.....
And you may get to go again on Sunday (maybe in Miss L-B's new car?)
My coffee has perked me up.....

Just found this , Rusty....
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/43514762

Good morning, Elle!
Seems a fine start to the day here. Nice morning.
Thank you for the link!
There are three starts as far as I know, wheelchair, women, men.
Maybe different starters for each?
I am looking forward to Pine Cone.
Do not know about Sunday.
I'll wait to see if the girls suggest it.

A Very Good morning to you, Rusty!
Yes, a lovely day here, too.
A tad fresher this morning, which is nice.
13C when we went out ........but 20C already on our return.
I think you have hit the nail on the head with your mention of different starting times to the Marathon.
The Queen is starting off the Men's Elite and the Main Race at 10am....
So presumably Kathrine Switzer will be starting the Women's Elite at 9.15am?
We shall perhaps hear confirmation of this later.
What time is Miss ATW collecting you for your visit to the Pine Cone?

Hello, Elle!
I agree with you.
Think Kathrine will start the women off.
I am being collected by Miss ATW at 11.
And tomorrow at 11 Miss La Bamba is collecting me.
She has been sending me photos of her new car.
"I love it , Granddad!"
I have finished the puzzle.
But one parse is eluding me.
The first two letters in 17a., the rest of the answer is fine!
19d is a new plant to me,

Hi, Rusty!
Ah , I may catch you then, before you leave.......if I type quickly!
I haven't yet started my crosswords, I've still to print them out........
I've been dealing with the washing..... it should be a good drying day.
If you are having trouble with 17a, I doubt I shall do better!
Still, I shall do my best .....
I hope you and Miss ATW have a great time - you'll certainly have a lot to talk about after her Australian trip!
Have fun!

Hello, Elle!
Great drying day here, too!
Maybe too nice weather to be doing puzzles!
Just waiting to be collected.
Any minute now!

Good afternoon, Rusty!
How was your outing?
I hope you both had a good time.
Were there any (Sicilian) crepes on the menu?
I hope you tried them if there were?
I did eventually do the crosswords, in between a lot of other things......phone calls, chores, and general distractions!
I have answers for all of the 15 x15, but still about four to parse successfully.
For the one you were querying, 17a, I have "punctuation".......
up - leading ( reversed) + anagram of "nation cut".
Is this what you have ?
I especially liked 4d: "chariot race"!
I am easily led astray today...it is lovely out in the garden.....not as oppressively hot as yesterday, and it is pleasant sitting out there, reading.....

Hello, Elle!
Had a nice time at Pine Cone!
I did not look at the menu.
"A bacon roll, please!"
Miss ATW had chocolate fudge cake and coffee.
Ah, you have 17!
I see it now.
I thought up/looking.
But you have it, up/leading.
The setter beat me there!
Some fine clues, including "chariot race"!
Great day here, too!