[22] Runnemede was authorized to incorporate as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 23, 1926, from portions of the now-defunct Centre Township, and was then made independent based on the results of a referendum held on April 24, 1926.

Acts enabling creation of the boroughs of Bellmawr, Mount Ephraim, and Lawnside were passed during the same two-day period.

[23] The derivation of the borough's name is uncertain, though claims that it derives from a Native American term for "running water" have been refuted and connections to General George Meade or to "rum we need" for a nearby tavern are probably apocryphal.

[1][2] Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the borough include Glendora.

[26] The borough borders Barrington, Bellmawr, Gloucester Township and Magnolia in Camden County.

[27][28][29] The 2010 United States census counted 8,468 people, 3,370 households, and 2,214 families in the borough.

[35] As of the 2000 United States census[17] there were 8,533 people, 3,376 households, and 2,275 families residing in the borough.

[7] The borough form of government used by Runnemede is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie.

The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council.

[38][39] As of 2023[update], the mayor of Runnemede is Democrat Nick Kappatos, whose term of office ends December 31, 2026.

[45][46][47] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 1st congressional district is represented by Donald Norcross (D, Camden).

[59][52][60][61][62] Camden County's constitutional officers are: Clerk Pamela Rosen Lampitt (D, Cherry Hill, 2029)[63][64] Sheriff Chuck Billingham (D, Gloucester City, 2027)[65][66] and Surrogate Michelle Gentek-Mayer (D, Gloucester Township, 2025).

[71][72] In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 59.4% of the vote (2,388 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain, who received around 37.0% (1,486 votes), with 4,021 ballots cast among the borough's 5,609 registered voters, for a turnout of 71.7%.

[73] In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 59.4% of the vote (2,407 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush, who received around 42.9% (1,738 votes), with 4,050 ballots cast among the borough's 5,673 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 71.4.

[78] The Runnemede Public School District serves students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

[98] Major county roads include CR 544 which runs along the southern border.