"the river flows" vs "the river runs"
Is there any difference between these two verbs when it comes to "rivers"?

Example:

The river flows / runs through the valley.

Question

"the river flows" vs "the river runs"
Is there any difference between these two verbs when it comes to "rivers"?

Example:

The river flows / runs through the valley.

Answer

It's mostly a stylistic choice based on how each word sounds.

Answer

I would use 'to run' for water, and 'to flow'  or 'to go' for rivers and alikes.
Using 'to run' for a river will emphasize something. 
Only the Author  knows whether there is some meaning to be emphasized.

Answer

Have you ever heard this song: The ballad of Easy Rider ?
First lines run like this:

The river flows
It flows to the sea
Wherever that river goes
That's where I want to be
Flow river flow
Let your waters wash down
Take me from this road
To some other town
... ...

This is the BEST version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dvBjKr2LcY
it starts at 35 min. 30 sec.
Hope you enjoy this song!

لا تفوّت فرصة تعلّم لغة جديدة وأنت مرتاح في منزلك. تصفّح مجموعتنا المختارة من مدرّسي اللغات ذوي الخبرة وسجّل في درسك الأول الآن!