Run by Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Authority Figure Used to indicate a person or group that holds responsibility for the operation of an entity. The festival was run by a local arts council. Pro Tip 2/3Behind Operations Suggests the behind-the-scenes work required to keep a system or organization functioning. The cafeteria is efficiently run by volunteers. Pro Tip 3/3Overall Control Refers to being in a position of complete or overall control of an organization or area. The networks are run by a handful of corporations.