Crossword Genius

Runner in early event not starting back (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

miler

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'runner' is the definition.
(miler is a kind of runner)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for miler that I've seen before include "Athlete running 1,760 yards" , "horse" , "Pre-metric middle-distance runner" , "Runner over a specific distance" , "one who competes in the long run" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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