He was born in Tyldesley, Lancashire, in 1935 and was educated at the Liverpool Matthay School of Music, during which time he obtained the FRCO diploma with both Limpus and F J Read prizes in organ playing.
In 1960 he was appointed organ scholar at St John's College, Cambridge, under Director of Music George Guest.
Eleven selections from their large repertoire were collected on an album for RCA Records (Alleluia, LSC-3081), with Lowell Lacey as the organist.
[1] Composer Kenneth Leighton was commissioned by the Cathedral Organists' Association to write a memorial work for Runnett - his Second Evening Service (Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis).
St John's College, Cambridge, also has a Brian Runnett Memorial organ competition, as well as trophies given out at the end of it.