For those of you with limited RuneScape skills, essence running is an excellent way to earn money or runes. Even though there are numerous ways to essence run, it is all based on one basic concept. Because runecrafters can only carry 23-27 essences at a time, they are not able to accumulate very much runecrafting experience very quickly. As a runner, you are there to help others gain runecrafting experience. By doing so, you will be able to earn runes or cash.

There are various items needed for essence running. These include:
Boots of lightness
No weapons or armor
27 Pure Rune Essence

Something, such as Law Runes, to take up inventory space and therefore quicken the banking process

So how do you get started? Check out forums. There you will find people looking to hire essence runners. Once you find a potential employer, here are several things to keep in mind:
How much does the employer pay?
Are you provided with essences?
Are there bonuses available?
How many runners do they have?
How many essences are required per run?
What is the employer's runecrafting level? (More runes can be made from the same amount of essences in certain levels.)

In order to essence run successfully, you must trade the essence unnoted. It is also essential that you trade them at the correct temple. Remember to travel light. This means lightweight armor, boots of lightness, and bare essentials in your inventory.

Also, common courtesy will go a long way. Be sure to thank the crafter who traded with you. It is, after all, a free service. In order to avoid being neglected, only say 'law me plz' if you are inside the Altar and no one is trading with you when you are to the side. Also, having two pouches does not mean that people will trade you twice. It just slows down the process. Finally, if you are inside the Altar, stand to one side. Avoid the line where the crafters are.

When earning runes, it's important to know how you can use the type of rune you are running. First, there are four elemental runes: air, water, fire and mind. These are used in spells. Airs are generally best for lower level mages, as they are used for offensive spells. Higher-level mages will benefit most from fire, as they are used in god spells. Body runes are good for stat reduction spells. You will generally use only a few cosmic runes, as they have limited uses. Natures are among the most useful runes because they are used for high alchemy. Lastly, law runes are best for pure mages.

Armed with a few basics, you can try your hand at essence running and maybe you'll learn your own tricks of the trade.