run before

verb3

1. •
   (no longer used) To precede (something); to anticipate (something).

   • Thy tongue runneth before thy wit. — 1858
2. •
   (no longer used) To flee from (something); to run away from (something).

   • In such wise did Helgi Deal fear around To all his foes And all their friends As when the goat runneth Before the wolf's rage Filled with mad fear Down from the fell — 1888
3. •
   (no longer used) To excel or be better than someone.