Crossword Genius

Hint — he leaves the running competition (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trace

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'hint' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'he leaves the running competition' is the wordplay.
'leaves' suggests deleting specific letters.
'running competition' becomes 'race' (race is a kind of competition. I am not sure about the 'running' bit.).
'the' with 'he' taken out is 't'.
't'+'race'='TRACE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trace that I've seen before include "Make a copy using transparent paper" , "Suggestion of rain" , "Barely detectable amount" , "Make a copy using semi-transparent paper" , "Track; small quantity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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