If A runs less fast than B, and B runs as fast but not faster than C; then, as compared to A, C runs

The correct option is "faster than A".

Let us analyze the relationships between the speeds of A, B, and C step-by-step:

Step 1: Compare A and B
The problem states: "A runs less fast than B".
This means that A's speed is less than B's speed.
If we represent their speeds as $A$ and $B$, we can write this relationship as:
$A<B$

Step 2: Compare B and C
The problem states: "B runs as fast but not faster than C".
- "As fast" implies B's speed can be equal to C's speed.
- "Not faster than C" means B's speed cannot exceed C's speed ($B\ngtr C$).
Combining these two statements, B's speed is less than or equal to C's speed.
If we represent C's speed as $C$, we can write this relationship as:
$B\le C$

Step 3: Compare C to A
Now we combine the two inequalities:
$A<B$ and $B\le C$
This gives us the chain inequality:
$A<B\le C$
From this chain, it is clear that:
$A<C$

Therefore, C's speed is strictly greater than A's speed, which means C runs faster than A.