Crossword Genius

Runner on form perhaps marks female group (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

harem

'female group' is the definition.

'runner on form perhaps marks' is the wordplay.
'runner on form perhaps' becomes 'hare' (hare can mean a fast runner).
'marks' becomes 'm' (former German currency).
'hare'+'m'='HAREM'

(Other definitions for harem that I've seen before include "Home to concubines" , "Living quarters of wives in a Muslim household" , "Separate women's quarters" , "A lot of females" , "Quarters occupied by women by Muslim household" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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