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No particular problems with the grid fill, finding the 10 letters, or drawing the decagon, but then a screeching halt. The shape and the title suggest an athletics direction, and a 5 letter name, but the 11 letters from the vertices seem to only provide the name of a small UK town, as then... there are ten thematic clue answers? So my initial thought seems like a rabbit hole.

I hate to use the phrase Guess What I'm Thinking since it's often the case that it's me who's just not thinking, but it seems like Pointer could have included a few more, er, pointers as to the theme. Any hints?

Well done Buddy on so much progress. Sorry can’t help you as still struggling with gridfill. Can’t fathom where to place answers. Does the first answer in each case start at the number? I doubt it! Can you help me get started? Eg I have both 10 down answers but don’t know how to enter them. Thanks.

Very local to Britain this one - take the shape literally for the highest one and you should make progress (the title of the puzzle splits 1+3+4).

10d - the first (longer) answer starts 4 cells down the column, the shorter one wraps around.

...and leave one square between the end of the longest and the start of the shortest.

A terrific challenge, this. Typically high-class construction from Pointer, but defiantly Anglocentric!

How did you start knowing where to start your entries drxx and buddy? I have the long answer for 1d and don’t know how to begin. I don’t have the 3 letter answer to: yes crack, no joint. Please help.

Agree with all of that, quisling.

'crack' is a witticism (minus first letter, jogamel). Don't start the column with it - although it's very tempting.

Trial and error for where they start (best get a couple of crossers before you commit yourself).