Here's a technique I've used for running cable over drop ceilings:

I go to the midway point or all the way to the destination/drop point and push my trusty STANLEY tape measure blade back to the source point and then lock the blade.

I then go back to the source point and tape the cable to the end of the tape measure blade.

Back at the destination point, I unlock the blade and allow it to slowly retract and pull the cable to me.

Works great!