<P> The Maze Runner was released on September 19, 2014 in the United States by 20th Century Fox . Critics considered it to be better than most young adult book - to - film adaptations . The film topped the box - office during its opening weekend with a $32.5 million debut, making it the seventh - highest grossing debut in September . The film earned over $348 million worldwide at the box - office, against its budget of $34 million . </P> <P> A sequel, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, was released on September 18, 2015 in the United States . A third and final film, Maze Runner: The Death Cure, was released on January 26, 2018 . </P> <P> A teenager wakes up inside an underground elevator with no memory of his identity . A group of male youths greet him in a large grassy area called the "Glade" enclosed by tall stone walls . The boys ("Gladers") have formed a rudimentary society, with each assuming specialized tasks . Their leader, Alby, says that every boy eventually recalls his name but not his past . The boy learns that a vast Maze surrounding them may be the only way out . During the day, designated Runners search the Maze for an escape route, returning before nightfall when the entrance closes . No one has ever survived a night in the Maze . </P> <P> While in a competition with another boy named Gally, the boy suddenly remembers his name: Thomas . The next day, he is attacked by Ben, a Runner who has been stung and left delirious by a Griever--deadly techno - organic creatures that roam the Maze at night . Ben is forced into the Maze and left to die, as there is no cure for his condition . Alby and Minho, the lead Runner, later retrace Ben's steps inside the Maze . Minho reappears at dusk dragging Alby, who is stung, but they are unable to reach the closing entrance in time . Thomas runs into the Maze to help, leaving all three trapped . Thomas lures a Griever into a closing passageway, causing it to be crushed . The trio manages to survive the night, returning the next morning . </P>

What is a runner in the maze runner
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