I am one of those guys who will chase you down, if I can. I'm not racing though - I've passed guys that I know for a fact can smoke me if they want. It's no big deal. But I'll still chase the rabbit given a chance.
Being the rabbit is more fun, if you spot them way back and it looks like they're trying to catch you. Game over when they do, unless you want to let them get a good lead and then chase. You don't have to leap-frog for this game.