The necessary element in a race is a competitor.

Competitors are individuals or teams who participate in a race with the aim of winning or achieving a specific goal. Without competitors, a race cannot take place as there would be no one to engage in the competition.

Explanation:

Definition of a race:
A race is a competition between people, animals, or vehicles to see who can reach a certain point or complete a task in the shortest amount of time. Races can take various forms, such as running races, swimming races, car races, or even intellectual competitions like quizzes or debates.

Components of a race:
To understand why a competitor is necessary in a race, it is important to consider the different components of a race:

1. Objective: A race has a specific objective or goal that participants strive to achieve. This could be reaching a finish line, completing a certain distance, solving a puzzle, or outperforming others in a particular skill.

2. Rules and regulations: Races are governed by a set of rules and regulations that ensure fair competition and maintain the integrity of the race. These rules dictate how participants should behave, what actions are allowed or prohibited, and how winners are determined.

3. Timing and measurement: Races often involve timing and measurement to determine the winner. In running races, for example, participants' times are recorded using electronic devices or manual methods to accurately determine who finished first.

4. Judges and officials: Races may require the presence of judges or officials who enforce the rules, monitor the progress of participants, and resolve any disputes that arise during the race. They ensure that the race is conducted fairly and according to the established guidelines.

5. Spectators: Spectators are individuals who watch the race as an audience, providing support, encouragement, and cheering for the competitors. They add to the overall atmosphere of the race and create a sense of excitement and camaraderie.

6. Competitors: Competitors are the essential element of a race. They are the individuals or teams who actively participate in the race with the intention of winning or achieving a specific goal. They compete against each other, utilizing their skills, abilities, and strategies to outperform their opponents.

Conclusion:
While judges, officials, spectators, and prizes may be present in a race, the necessary and fundamental element is the competitor. Without competitors, there can be no competition, and the essence of a race is lost. Competitors bring life and energy to a race, driving the spirit of competition and pushing themselves to their limits to achieve victory.