I suppose the markers all tell us that the finish is 100 meters away. It has been like this for 135 years--you are supposed to run each meter like it is the last 100 meters.
In the real race, the rules are clear cut (you are not likely to be penalized for cutting a lane if you are in a distance race). You will be penalized if you are doped up, deliberately interfere with other racers (such as tripping them), cutting across the course, or you have unauthorized assistance (like a motor scooter). And, you are going to know accurately where the finish line is before starting the race.
Suppose you are doing a long distance run along US Route 1 (and nearby). The start is in Kittery, Maine with the finish in Eastport. If you see signs directing you to Wells, Saco, or Portland, you are likely way back in the race with a long distance to go. But if you see signs leading to Belfast, Ellsworth, Cherryfield, or Machias, you are getting closer and closer to the finish. And, if you start seeing signs toward Augusta, you are off course. But, you will not see the sign that says you are in East Machias only to have yet another 100 or more miles to run.
This is not the case with the witlesses. There is no progression--that is always in the past. They are always telling you that you are in East Machias and need to push the last few miles to Eastport. The real truth is, you are actually running in circles. Maybe they took down all the signs telling the witlesses that they are in Massachusetts or Connecticut (way off course) so they can keep them running the wrong direction.