If the runner at 1st base runs faster than the runner at 2nd base, is he allowed to overtake the runner in front of him?

In baseball, the rules concerning baserunning stipulate that a runner cannot overtake a runner in front of him on the same base path. According to the official baseball rules, a runner must maintain a safe distance behind the preceding runner and cannot pass them unless a play is being made on the preceding runner, which still requires certain conditions to be met for safety.

If the runner at 1st base is approaching 2nd base while the runner is still occupying the base, the runner cannot run past the second base runner. If a play is made on the leading runner, the trailing runner must still give the leading runner the right of way to avoid collisions or interference. Thus, despite any speed difference, the rules enforce that runners must respect this order on the bases. This ensures safety and orderly advancement through the bases during a play.