Accumulate in the preliminaries (3-2)

I believe the answer is:

run-up

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'accumulate' is the definition.
(run up can mean to accumulate or add up)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for run-up that I've seen before include "Approach - preliminaries" , "Bowler's approach?" , "Cricketing approach?" , "Preliminary period" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app