Athlete up the pole? (6)
I believe the answer is:
runner
'athlete' is the definition.
(runner is a kind of athlete)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for runner that I've seen before include "Harrier" , "-- bean, vegetable" , "Groove or strip on which a drawer slides" , "Athlete; narrow rug" , "Athlete who competes in foot races" .)