What is the origin of the idiom "out of the running" and when to use it?

The origins of The idiom "out of the running" are unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. The idiom can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from a political candidate who has dropped out of a race to a sports team that has been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe a person or thing that is no longer considered a viable option for a particular opportunity or goal.