Soldier, social worker and ruffian taking part in the race of big folk (9)

I believe the answer is:

gianthood

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'part in the race of big folk' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'soldier social worker and ruffian' is the wordplay.
'soldier' becomes 'GI' (GI can mean a US soldier).
'social worker' becomes 'ant' (I've seen this before).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'ruffian' becomes 'hood' (I've seen this in another clue).
'gi'+'ant'+'hood'='GIANTHOOD'

'taking' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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