Runnels is a surname, and may refer to:
- Hardin Richard Runnels (1820–1873), American politician; governor of Texas 1857–1859
- Harold L. Runnels (1924–1980), American politician from New Mexico; U.S. representative 1971–80
- Hiram Runnels (1796–1857), American politician from Mississippi; governor of Mississippi 1833–35
- J. D. Runnels (b. 1984), American professional football player
- Pete Runnels (1928–1991), American professional baseball player
- Terri Runnels (b. 1966), American professional wrestling manager
- Tom Runnels (b. 1934), American professional football player
- Virgil Riley Runnels III, a.k.a. Dustin Rhodes (b. 1969), American professional wrestler
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