runners

Noun

runner (plural runners)

1. A person who moves, on foot, at a fast pace, especially an athlete.
   • The first runner to cross the finish line wins the race.

   Synonyms:

   racer

2. Any entrant, person or animal (especially a horse), for a race or any competition; a candidate for an election.
   • The mare is the stables' runner for the 5.15 race at Epsom.
3. (slang) A competitor in a poker tournament.
4. Somebody who controls or manages (e.g. a system).
   • […] at least half of which would be put into the pool for the winner, the rest kept for the runners of the system to cover costs and more than likely make a fair profit.1998 June 12, Daniel Jonathan Kirk, “tipping competitions”, in aus.legal (Usenet)
5. (in-compounds) A person or vessel that runs blockades or engages in smuggling.
   • The gunrunners were arrested leaving the airport.
6. A player who runs for a batsman who is too injured to run; he is dressed exactly as the injured batsman, and carries a bat.

See all 43 meanings of runner