 Pietri began his race at a rather slow pace, but in the second half of the course began a powerful surge moving him into second position by the mark, 4 minutes behind South African Charles Hefferon.When he knew that Hefferon was in crisis, Pietri further increased his pace, overtaking him at the mark.The effort took its toll and with only two kilometres to go, Pietri began to feel the effects of extreme fatigue and dehydration.