The running track sounds rough (6)

I believe the answer is:

course

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'the running track' is the definition.
'course' can be an answer for 'track' (synonyms). I am not sure about the 'the running' bit.

'sounds rough' is the wordplay.
'sounds' shows a homophone (sound like).
'rough' becomes 'coarse' (associated in meaning).
'coarse' sounds like 'COURSE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for course that I've seen before include "Route along which something travels" , "Route or meal segment" , "Part of a meal or a series of lessons" , "Woman's dress" , "Mode, of action say" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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