Cryptic crossword clue
Runner who must find way round rotten tree in race, gutted 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ORIENTEER

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
O
R
I
E
N
T
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R

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Runner who must find way" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case runner who must find way = orienteer.
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 ORIENTEER mean?

ORIENTEER noun
  1. Someone who takes part in the sport of orienteering.
ORIENTEER verb
  1. To race across unfamiliar countryside using a map and compass

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