Crossword Genius

Unfortunately the late runner? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

athlete

'runner?' is the definition.
(runner is a kind of athlete)

'unfortunately the late' is the wordplay.
'unfortunately' indicates an anagram (a bad or unfortunate spelling).
'the'+'late'='thelate'
'thelate' is an anagram of 'ATHLETE'.

(Other definitions for athlete that I've seen before include "fine physical specimen" , "Sprinter, say" , "Track/field sportsman" , "Track performer" , "Runner, jumper, thrower" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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