Old compilers run to the front to get loopy prizes (8)
I believe the answer is:
rosettes
'loopy prizes' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'old compilers run to the front' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'old' could be 'o' (abbreviation) and 'o' is found within the answer.
'run' could be 'r' (cricket abbreviation) and 'r' is present in the answer.
'the' could be 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects) and 't' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'to get' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rosettes that I've seen before include "Leaves" , "Favours, prize badges" , "Badges in the form of flowers" , "Eventing awards" , "Set store on floral badges" .)