'front-runner' originates from the combination of 'front' and 'runner', where 'front' meant 'foremost part' and 'runner' meant 'one who runs'.

'front-runner' evolved from the literal sense of a runner who is at the front of a race to its metaphorical use in competitions and elections.

Initially, it meant 'the leading runner in a race', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a leading candidate or competitor'.