The spelling of the word "runs flagpole" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "runs," is spelled /rʌnz/ with the phonetic symbols representing the vowel sound in "up" (/ʌ/) and the plural marker (/z/). The second word, "flagpole," is spelled /flæɡpoʊl/ with symbols representing the "a" sound in "cat" (/æ/), the "o" sound in "go" (/oʊ/), and the final consonant cluster (/lp/). Correct spelling is crucial in effective communication.