Yeah its real. I had one a couple of years ago before they added the stats. It was just a "MAGIC ITEM" and people used to scam others saying the magic effect was faster run speed. Mind you this was when jboots were easier to get and this ring was considered rare.
The first time I turned in the JumJum I didn't get anything. I got the runner's ring on my second attempt last night. I'm a warrior and didn't want to give up my silver amber ring, so I gave the runner's ring to a rogue friend of mine. Nice looking ring in inventory though.