What is the path that moisture takes from the ocean to the runoff that forms a river

The path that moisture takes from the ocean to the runoff that forms a river is through the path of groundwater. Groundwater either seeps it's way into the oceans, rivers, streams, or is released back into the atmosphere through transpiration. I believe groundwater, (through the ground) is the path that moisture takes, to eventually run into and forms a river.

It could travel as surface runoff, flowing through rivers and lakes until it eventually reaches the ocean. Or, it could soak into the ground and flow as groundwater until it eventually reaches the ocean.