| This article is about the title. For the episode, see Runner (episode). |
Overview
Carson Beckett removes Ronon's tracking device.
Runners are people who are implanted with a tracking device by the Wraith. They are then set free and the Wraith hunt them down; for their amusement or training, the exact reason is unknown. Unfortunately, Runners have been known to inadvertently lead the Wraith to cull Human settlements. It is for this reason that Runners are solitary, and never stay in one place for long.
It is unknown exactly how many runners there are, but given the amount of tracking devices detected by the Atlantis sensors while searching for Ronon, there are at least six (they detected seven, one of whom was Ronon). (SGA: "Runner")
Jennifer Keller fries Kiryk's tracking device.
Tracking Device
- Main article: Wraith tracker
The tracking device is what makes a Runner. It is implanted in the back, near the second thoracic vertebrae, to prevent the victim from reaching and removing it himself. With the device, the Wraith are seemingly able to locate a Runner anywhere in the Pegasus Galaxy. Some tracking devices can be removed with help from a second party, but in the case of the Runner, Kiryk, the tracking device had branched out and fused to his spine and brain stem, making removal of the device fatal. Instead, the power source was overloaded by the electric current of a defibrillator, and the device was rendered inert. (SGA: " Runner", " Sateda", "Tracker")
Wraith hunters exit the Stargate on planet M33-985
Wraith Hunters
- Main article: Wraith hunter
When a Runner is located, a group of Wraith hunters are dispatched to the planet, usually by means of a Stargate, to begin the hunt. They hunt in groups and attack in waves. They are coordinated and will attempt to surround the Runner to close-in on his position. If the signal emitted from the tracking device is lost, Wraith Darts and extra ground units are deployed to guard the Stargate and find the Runner. Once found, the Runner has his tracking device replaced and is set free to be hunted once again. (SGA: " Runner", " Sateda", "Tracker")
A Wraith hunter uses his Runner Detector to locate Ronon Dex.
Runner Detector
- Main article: Wraith tracking system
The Runner Detector is Wraith tech. It works much like a Life signs detector, but detects only the specific subspace signal emitted by a Wraith tracking device. It is worn on the forearm of Wraith hunters and used to pin-point the location of a Runner on the same planet. In 2008, Rodney McKay and Ronon Dex used the Wraith tracking system to track the Runner Kiryk, who had kidnapped Jennifer Keller.
(SGA: "Sateda", "Tracker")
Tracking Drone
- Main article: Wraith tracking drone
A Wraith tracking drone is sometimes used as a kind of automated scout for Wraith hunters. Roughly spherical in shape and hovering through the air, it is able to locate and follow the signal emitted by a tracking device. It relays a live video feed to a nearby Hive ship so that Wraith can watch as a Runner is hunted. In 2006, Ronon used the device as a way to antagonize the observing Wraith Leader as he killed the hunters that were chasing him. (SGA: "Sateda")