runner
n. countablen. a person who runs for exercise or in a race. It can also mean someone who carries messages or small items for others.
n. a person who runs, especially for sport or as a competitor in a race. Also refers to a person who carries or delivers something, such as messages or goods, as a job.
She is a fast runner and wins many races.
The marathon organizers provided water stations every few miles to help each runner stay hydrated during the race.
While the lead runner maintained a steady pace throughout the first half of the event, the chasing pack began to close the gap as they approached the final incline.
From Middle English rennere, rynner, urnare, equivalent to run + -er. Cognate with Old Norse rennari (“runner; messenger”). Displaced earlier Middle English runel (“runner”), from Old English rynel (“runner”; also “messenger, courier”).
Commonly used with adjectives like 'long-distance', 'marathon', or 'professional' to specify the type of athlete.