1834, "an act of running upward," from verbal phrase, from run (v.) + up (adv.). Extended sense "period of time or sequence of events proceeding some important event" is from 1966.

The maximum height of the water onshore observed above a reference sea level. Run-up is usually measured at the horizontal inundation limit.

The term run-up describes a particular hitting of the golf ball. In there, the golf ball is hit close to the ground approaching and onto the putting green.

- Footwork leading up to the throw; such as the scissor step, jump putt or x-step.

golf shot hit near or trails along the ground upon approaching the hole.

(n) a substantial increase over a relatively short period of time(n) the approach run during which an athlete gathers speed

the rush of water up a structure or BEACH on the breaking of a WAVE. The amount of run-up is the vertical height above STILLWATER LEVEL that the rush of water reaches.

up rush of water on a coast driven by wave action

The maximum vertical height, above mean sea level, that the sea attains during a tsunami (measured in  metres).

A routine procedure for testing an aircraft engine at a high power setting. Engine run-ups are normally conducted by airline maintenance personnel checking an aircraft engine or other on board system [..]

The preparatory strides taken by a bowler as they steady themselves for delivery. Also the area in which they perform said action

the rush of water up a structure or beach on the breaking of a wave. The amount of run-up is the vertical height above stillwater level that the rush of water reaches.