outrunner

/ˈaʊtˌrʌnər/
noun
  1. A person or thing that runs faster or farther than others, especially in a race or competition.
    • In the sled dog team, the lead dog is often the best outrunner, setting the pace for the others.
    • The young athlete was the clear outrunner in the marathon, finishing ten minutes ahead of the pack.
    • The company's new electric car is an outrunner in the race for sustainable transportation.
  2. A person who goes ahead of a group to scout or prepare the way; a forerunner or pioneer.
    • The tech startup acted as an outrunner in the field of artificial intelligence, paving the way for larger companies.
    • As an outrunner for the expedition, she mapped the route and found water sources.
    • The explorer sent an outrunner to check the path through the dense jungle.
Antonyms
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