The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word STREAKED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
T
R
E
A
K
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D
More clues leading to the result STREAKED
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Ran out of kit at a sporting event" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ran out of kit at a sporting event = streaked.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STREAKED mean?
STREAKED verb- To have or obtain streaks.
- To run naked in public. (Contrast flash)
- To create streaks.
- To move very swiftly.
- To stretch; to extend; hence, to lay out, as a dead body.
- Bearing streaks.
- Marred with streaks.
- Uncomfortable; out of sorts.