Answer: The role that running plays in Ghost's life is one of refuge. The reason why he starts running is that he wants to escape from his problems. This changes when Coach talks to him.
Step-by-step explanation:
The novel is about a boy named "Ghost" who had to run with his mom from his drunk father when he tried to end their lives. He is also bullied at school, so he starts running in a team to escape his troubled mind and feel better with himself. However, his motivation to run changes when Coach says to him that "he should be using running as a way to move toward what he wants to be in life, not to escape what he is."