Run

Running is when experienced players lead a group of lower level players to areas in the game that would otherwise be unreachable (or at least very difficult) for them. This is accomplished by having the experienced player(s) simply run off ahead of the party, ignore all attacking mobs and proceed to the next area. Inevitably, the lower level players cannot survive encounters with the more powerful mobs, and are killed; or they sit comfortably in a safe spot while the runners go.

In Guild Wars most foes are just as fast or even faster than a player character. Once you've aggro'ed them, you often cannot shake them off by simply continuing to run. The foes may keep chasing you and eventually hunt you down and force you to fight back or heal yourself. Hence, a successful run is usually lead by players who have skills that increase movement speed like Sprint or "Charge!". Since these are warrior skills, most runners are typically warriors.

Eventually, when the runners get to the entrance to the next area, and pass through (i.e. zone), all party members (whether those killed or those sitting at the other end of the area) are teleported to the next area.

The obvious advantage of running is that it gives lower level players access to merchants and crafters who sell powerful items not otherwise available to them. However, they may end up paying for something that they could have gotten for free, had they gone through the game sequentially or adventured to raise their character level.

More importantly, run players gain little experience, both in how to play the game, as well as in actual experience points for their character. A player that is run through several areas, skipping through numerous missions and quests may find himself surrounded by others who have much higher levels. Generally speaking, parties are not interested in grouping with players that are too low in level to be of any use, making it difficult for them to adventure further.

The Business of Running
Experienced players often demand gold from weaker players to run them. And weaker players or players not interested in the PvE campaign often offer gold to runners in popular running locations like Droknar's Forge and Augury Rock.

Whether hiring another player to run you, or running a group of players yourself, you should watch out for scammers.

Some of the most popular runs in the game right now are:
 * The Droknar Run.
 * From Augury Rock to the mission locations in the Crystal Desert, see the Ascension Guide.
 * From Henge of Denravi to Maguuma Stade.
 * From Thunderhead Keep to Marhan's Grotto.
 * From Copperhammer Mines to Granite Citadel.