Runs off holding second courses (8)
I believe the answer is:
desserts
'courses' is the definition.
(courses of meals)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for desserts that I've seen before include "Last courses" , "Puddings" , "Sweet courses of meal" , "fools, perhaps?" , "That may be cobblers" .)