Runge's biggest success was his gold medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.

In addition to that, he is an eight-time German amateur champion (1935–1939, 1941–1943), as well as two-time runner-up to Hein ten Hoff in 1940 and 1944.

Of 25 bouts, he won 5 (1 KO), drew 6 and lost 13 with one ending in a no contest (or 14 losses and no NC, sources are unclear).

It stands just outside the away section of Wuppertal's Stadion am Zoo football stadium, home to former Bundesliga club Wuppertaler SV.

A commemorative plaque with the inscription, "Olympia-Eiche [Olympia-oak]Herbert Runge*23.01.1913 + 11.03.1986WuppertalOlympiasieger Berlin 1936 [Olympic champion Berlin 1936]Boxen Schwergewicht [Boxing Heavyweight]", has been attached to the stadium fence in front of the tree in 1999.