Passes easily as a form of address for a runner (5)
I believe the answer is:
skims
'passes easily' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'a form of address for a runner' is the wordplay.
'a form of address' becomes 'ms' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'for' says to put letters next to each other (I've seen this in other clues).
'a runner' becomes 'ski' (something which 'runs', ie moves quickly on snow).
'ms' after 'ski' is 'SKIMS'.
'as' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for skims that I've seen before include "Moves quickly and lightly over a surface" , "brief readings" .)