Distributed by El Camino Media, it was the second single for the band's second EP Super Fake Nice.

The track utilizes power pop instrumentation that samples the song "Do That Stuff" by American funk band Parliament.

[3] Filmed at Plywood Pictures in Brooklyn, New York, studio personnel wore black clothing and moved the cats with gloves to successfully pantomime.

[8] Bob Boilen and Stephen Thompson of NPR denounced the lyrics of "Runaway" as trivial but praised its instrumental, calling it an "infectious pop-rock track".

[10] Patrick Rodgers of Nashville Scene similarly praised "Runaway", calling it "bleeping, blooping, [and] characteristically catchy".