I used to run track and had a teammate that ran virtually identical

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When racing with added weight, a larger athlete may have an advantage due to their greater strength and ability to generate power. The impact of the extra weight on performance is complex and varies based on individual body mechanics and conditioning. As the weight increases, such as with a 100-pound backpack, the disparity in strength and power output becomes more significant. The physics of running with additional weight does not provide a straightforward answer, as it depends on how each athlete's body adapts to the load. Ultimately, the stronger athlete is likely to perform better with heavier weights due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio.
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I used to run track and had a teammate that ran virtually identical times to me in everything we did. He was a bigger guy (5'11" 180lbs. vs. 5'8" 145lbs.) and much stronger than me in the weight room.

I've always been curious about something and am not sure how the physics behind it works. If we raced each other with 25lb. backpacks on would he now have an advantage? My intuition says yes.
 
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You can't really use an argument from physics to answer this, since your reaction to the extra weight is more a function of your bodies ability to create power. There isn't a simple physical explanation for how it does. But I would probably agree with your rough reasoning.
 
Increase the weight of the backpack to (say) 100 pounds. What do you think now?
 

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