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

"In the running" is a sports metaphor that comes from foot racing. In a race, the competitors who are still "in the running" are those who have not yet fallen behind or been eliminated from the race, meaning they still have a chance to win. It can be used to describe individuals or teams who are competing for a prize or goal, as well as products or ideas that are being considered for a particular opportunity.