The 2nd-place runner was ____ on the leader.

verb

1. To acquire or get possession of usually by industry, merit, or craft

   "gain an advantage"

2. To win in competition or conflict

   "the troops gained enemy territory"

3. To get by a natural development or process

   "gain strength"

4. To establish a specific relationship with

   "gain a friend"

5. To make an increase of (a specified amount)

   "gained three percent in the past month"

6. To increase in (a particular quality)

   "gain momentum"

7. To win to one's side persuade

   "gain adherents to a cause"

8. To cause to be obtained or given attract

   "gain attention"

9. To run fast by the amount of

   "the clock gains a minute a day"

10. To get advantage profit

    "hoped to gain by the deal"

11. Increase

    "the day was gaining in warmth"

12. To increase in weight
13. To improve in health or ability
14. To run fast
15. To get closer to something pursued

phrasal verb

1. To come nearer to (someone or something that is ahead in a race or competition)

   "She was still leading at the halfway point, but the other runners were gaining on her."