Crossword Genius

Stop running race that's annoying (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

damnation

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

'annoying' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

'stop running race' is the wordplay.
'stop' becomes 'dam' (I've seen this in other clues).
'running race' becomes 'nation' (both can mean a national or ethnic group. I am not sure about the 'running' bit.).
'dam'+'nation'='DAMNATION'

'that's' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for damnation that I've seen before include "angry exclamation?" , "Cursing" , "Denouncing" , "Eternal punishment" , "Mild oath" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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