From the ancient times runner area rugs have had a symbolic meaning of a way, a road. More common meaning was a triumphatic way to some social achievement. The kings were walking to the altar along the runner area rugs at the coronation ceremony. Runner area rugs
were leading medievel warriors to the knighthood.
The symbolic meaning of triumph has been preserved by runner area rugs till recent times. You can still see marrying couples at the weddings walking to the altar and their new life along the runner area rugs. Look at the heroes getting the awards. They are making their triumphatic way along the runner area rugs.
On the other hand the symbol of triumph is not just any runner area rug. The triumphatic area rugs are usually of some bright colour. Most frequently it is red colour.