What does a runner do at a bowling alley?

Answer 1

In modern times the runner is referred to as lane attendant/porter. Their responsibilities include retrieving deadwood, dead balls, and reporting malfuctions to the mechanic. Usually in a Bowling alley the attendant is also part janitor. They clean the spills, pick up after leagues, take out the trash, help with scoring monitors etc.

In traditional times, the runner was the person (usually younger boy) who setup the pins on the pin deck and would carry the ball back to the bowl (before automatic ball returns).