Where does the term 'Runner-Up' originate?

Posted by Helen on November 02, 2004

In Reply to: Where does the term 'Runner-Up' originate? posted by Lisa on November 02, 2004

: Please can someone tell me where the term 'Runner-Up' comes from - I can't find it anywhere and it's driving me mad!!

two ideas - "runner -up" possibly from the second runner to be the next one "up" the finishing straights??

or - "up" as in next runner up on the prize podium thing??