forerunner
/ˈfɔrˌrʌnər/
noun
- A person or thing that comes before and is a sign of what is to follow; a precursor.
- Early jazz musicians were forerunners of rock and roll.
- The first smartphone was a forerunner of today's advanced devices.
- The steam engine was a forerunner of modern trains.
- A person who runs ahead of others, especially in a race or as a scout.
- The forerunner reached the finish line first, winning the race.
- In the marathon, the forerunner set a fast pace for the others to follow.
- The forerunner checked the trail for obstacles before the main group arrived.