Runner goes on ahead in the local sense (3)
I believe the answer is:
rug
'the local sense' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.
'runner goes on ahead' is the wordplay.
'runner' becomes 'r' (abbreviation).
'goes on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'ahead' becomes 'ug' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'r'+'ug'='RUG'
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rug that I've seen before include "wrap" , "Small carpet" , "cover" , "One covering" , "Mat - blanket" .)