This engraving is one of 5 prints originally created as a commission for Ambrose Vollard to accompany the text of 'Numancia' by Cervantes. The project ended with Vollard's death and Hayter went on to sell the images individually.
"Runner" was done between May and July of 1939 and is one of Hayter's last plates produced in France before he left to re-establish Atelier 17 in New York.
This proof impression, printed on a green-gray laid Vidalon paper, was given by Hayter to artist Barbara Olmsted. Olmsted and her husband, Frederick (Rick) Olmsted were friends of California born printmaker Helen Phillips, who married Hayter in 1940. In 1936-37 the four artists took an extended trip through Europe to study murals. Hayter gave this impression to Barbara in New York in 1940.