The correct spelling of the phrase "were the running" is /wɜr ðə ˈrʌnɪŋ/. The first word, "were," is pronounced with a silent "e" at the end, and is often confused with "where" and "we're." The second word, "the," is pronounced as a schwa sound, with a short "e" sound in the middle. The final word, "running," has a double "n" and is pronounced with an "uh" sound in the first syllable and a short "i" sound in the second syllable.
"Were the running" is not a phrase that exists in standard English language usage. "Were" is the past tense form of the verb "to be," while "running" is the present participle form of the verb "to run." Together, the phrase "were the running" does not have a clear meaning or usage in English.
However, if we interpret the phrase as "where the running," we can provide a definition for that phrase. "Where the running" could potentially refer to the location or place where a specific type or act of running is happening. It implies the need for specifying a particular running activity or event and the location associated with it. For example, one could say, "Where the running takes place is in the park every morning" or "Where the running is intense is during the marathon." In these instances, "where the running" would indicate the specific location where running activity occurs.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that the phrase "were the running" does not conform to commonly accepted grammar and usage patterns.