Runner (messenger)

In military, a runner was a foot soldier responsible for carrying messages between units during war. Runners were very important to military communications, before telecommunications became commonplace. Non-military runners were also used, e.g., by World War II resistance fighters.

In Ancient Greece, Hemerodromoi (day-runners), Hemeroscopoi (day-watchers) and Dromokerykes (runner heralds) were employed to carry important news and perform surveillance. They swiftly relayed the information to the appropriate authorities, ensuring timely responses to emerging situations.

When equipped with a bicycle or other transport, the runner became a despatch rider.