have/hold the lead

phrase

: to be in the winning position in a race or competition

A runner from Kenya has/holds the lead.

Examples of have/hold the lead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The cold start proved costly, as the Bulldogs failed to hold the lead at any juncture in suffering their third straight loss after opening the game 1-of-10 shooting. — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 31 Jan. 2026

Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh continues to hold the lead at 45%, but that’s down about 14 points from Monday. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026

But Göransson’s score for Sinners may have the lead here, especially since the film’s story is so specifically tied to music. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 5 Jan. 2026

The Aggies continue to hold the lead and are aided by shooting 47% from the field. — Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 3 Jan. 2026

Though, the Bears did have the lead for most of the game, with Chicago outgaining the Vikings in total yards while ultimately losing. — Christian Romo, Freep.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Both Bryson DeChambeau and Collin Morikawa are currently going off the board at +3000 to hold the lead after Round 1. DeChambeau loves this course, has nearly won it in the past, and is coming off a strong finish at LIV Golf Miami. — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025