Crossword Genius

Stolid runner confronted (2-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

po-faced

'stolid' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'runner confronted' is the wordplay.
'runner' becomes 'Po' (Italian river).
'confronted' becomes 'faced' ('face' can be a synonym of 'confront').
'po'+'faced'='PO-FACED'

(Other definitions for po-faced that I've seen before include "With a disapproving countenance" , "Glum" , "Humourlessly disapproving" , "Humourless and disapproving" , "Not showing amusement, having solemn expression" .)

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