noun
first runner (relay)
Specifically the first runner in a relay race.
彼はリレーのトップランナーに選ばれた。
He was chosen as the first runner in the relay.
彼女は世界のトップランナーの一人だ。
She is one of the world's top-class runners.
noun
vanguard; front line; cutting edge
Figurative use for a person or group leading a field or movement; often used in business, technology, or social contexts.
彼は業界のトップランナーとして知られている。
He is known as a vanguard of the industry.
この企業は技術革新のトップランナーだ。
This company is at the cutting edge of technological innovation.
noun
top runner (benchmarking)
Business term for a system of comparing performance against the best in the field.
トップランナー制度は省エネ基準を引き上げるために導入された。
The top runner program was introduced to raise energy-saving standards.