Competitor in a race (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: RUNNER (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Competitor in a race" with 6 letters is "RUNNER".Runner refers to a person who competes in a race, typically involving running as the primary activity. In the context of a competition, a runner is someone who participates in events like sprints, marathons, or other athletic challenges, aiming to achieve the best time or performance.
Why “Runner” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (6 letters) meaning “competitor in a race.” The answer, RUNNER, fits exactly:
- Competitor in a race: A runner is a person who takes part in a race or running event, whether athletic, professional, or recreational.
- Direct match: With 6 letters, runner fits the clue’s enumeration perfectly.
- Precise meaning: It exactly defines someone competing in a running contest or other competition involving speed and endurance.
The word runner is used broadly in both sports and general contexts:
- Origin and usage: From Middle English rennen (to run), deriving from Old English rinnan, meaning “to move swiftly.”
- Contexts: In sports, a runner refers to an athlete; in extended use, it can describe someone who delivers messages, spreads something (like a runner bean plant), or operates on behalf of others.
- Examples: “The runner crossed the finish line first,” or “Hundreds of runners joined the city marathon.”
Quick crossword clues like “competitor in a race (6)” often depend on simple, direct definitions:
- Potential alternatives might include racer (5) or athlete (7), but runner precisely fits the six-letter count and meaning.
- The straightforward clue wording eliminates wordplay or misdirection, guiding solvers to a direct description-based answer.
- With exact length, perfect definition, and everyday familiarity, runner is the correct crossword solution.
