What is the participial phrase in the sentence below?

Running to the finish line, the tired contestants increased their speed and excitement.
A. the tired contestants
B. and excitement
C. increased their speed
D. Running to the finish line

Question

What is the participial phrase in the sentence below? 

Running to the finish line, the tired contestants increased their speed and excitement.
 		A.	the tired contestants
 		B.	and excitement
 		C.	increased their speed
 		D.	Running to the finish line

anonymous · Answer

A. Tired is the past participle of the verb "to tire" but is modifying the noun "contestants," thus acting as an adjective. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/627/02/ <-- explains what a participle phrase is.