People who run on foot, especially as athletes

• Joggers or sprinters in training or competition

Entrants in a race or event, including people or animals

• Race starters or runners in horse racing

Athletic shoes designed for running

• Casual sneakers originally made for runners

A long, narrow carpet for a hall or staircase

A narrow strip of fabric placed along the center of a table

Sliding or guiding parts on which something moves, such as drawer runners

• Blades or strips that support motion, such as sled or skate runners

Long stems that grow along the ground to root new plants

• Botany: stolons produced by plants like strawberries

People sent on errands or to carry messages; messengers

• In restaurants, staff who deliver dishes from kitchen to tables