Sometimes, you’re bored of your daily playlist, and you desperately need a change. These Taylor Swift jams won’t cut it to get you running anymore. You need to hear full blasts motivating you to keep going, or your hype will fall down the drain.
In this case, you dropped on the right page. I collected 33 songs about running for training playlists. So, turn the volume up high on your next run and watch the adrenaline flow through your veins!
Just kidding; you won’t see it, but you’ll definitely feel it. Here are the best running songs you can add to your playlist.
Run – Gnarls Barkley
Nothing gets you hyped up for a run better than a fast-paced song. But, it’s not much about running. Instead, it’s a warning about something that listeners aren’t sure of. I’ll take a wild guess and say it’s about drug use.
Still, it gets your adrenaline up when you listen to it while running, thanks to its electric guitar tones and energetic rhythm.
The Running Kind – Merle Haggard
If you want a song with a gentle rhythm that’ll get you started when warming up for running, listen to The Running Kind. The song is about running free, and its mellow guitar tones are what you need for your run around the neighborhood or the training track.
Chances are, you’re ‘born the runnin’ kind,’ as the singer says!
Keep on Runnin’ – Sheer Mag
Keep on Runnin’ only has a couple of verses, so it may be the song you’re looking for if you don’t want words to distract you from the movement of your feet. Instead, the guitar-centered song tells you to keep running, which is probably what you need.
The fast-paced rhythm will keep you up and going, keeping your heartbeat fast.
Run for Cover – The Killers
If you’re going for an intense run and you don’t want your energy or hype wavering, keep this song on a high volume while running. Its beats are enough to keep you hyped up, and it encourages you to push yourself harder.
Plus, its lyrics are pretty influential if you ever want to run for cover!
Lyrics: Run for cover/ Run while you can, baby, don’t look back/ You gotta run for cover
Out In the Street – Bruce Springsteen
Out in the Street isn’t about running per se, except if you’re running literally in the street. But, its rhythm is enough to keep you going and get your heart beating in a couple of minutes. It’s not what you’re used to when thinking of running songs, but a change is always welcome.
Dog Days Are Over – Florence and the Machine
Dog Days Are Over is one of Florence and the Machine’s best hits, and I can see why. The song is about running from happiness and surviving. And although you likely won’t understand why someone would do that, you’ll find yourself relating to the lyrics.
Plus, its lyrics will hype you up and make you feel like you’re running for a pretty good cause and that your bad days are long behind you.
Lyrics: Run fast for your mother/ Run fast for your father/ Run for your children/ For your sisters and brothers
Run – Awolnation
You can legit enjoy this one if you can listen to the song without paying much attention to the lyrics. It’s supposedly about a ‘human capable of doing terrible things,’ but its beats are good enough to accompany you on your running session.
It may not be the best Awolnation song, but it’s good enough for running.
Runaway – Kanye West
If you want to put yourself in a mood that you’re running from something, Runway by Kanye West—Or Ye while we’re at it—may be the song you’re looking for. The lyrics display some sort of mental instability, yes, but you won’t care much when your feet are hitting the ground, and adrenaline levels are rising.
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
There’s a reason Marshall and Ted chose I’m Gonna Be for their long road trips. It’s catchy, exciting, and you don’t get bored of it no matter how many times you listen to it. When you hear the singer wanting to walk 500 miles, you may get motivated to run even a single mile.
I’m Gonna Be is one of history’s greatest hits, partially thanks to its catchy rhythm and repetitive beat. It’s enough to motivate you for the rest of your run.
Runnin – Ludwig Goransson ft. A$AP Rocky & Jacob Banks
This song’s first couple of minutes are just what you need to kick off your training session. The lyrics don’t come by until late in the song, so you get around three minutes of horn-blaring music that’s enough to get your adrenaline running.
Not to mention, the lyrics are pretty inspirational, though they only start halfway through the song. Running to ‘Runnin’ outta breath/ they gonna know my name’ should be enough to motivate you till the end of your run.
Let the River Run – Carly Simon
We’re not the only ones who love this song. Carly Simon got an Oscar and a Golden Globe for it, so needless to say, it’s a globally-acclaimed song.
Although it’s not about running as we know it, its lyrics are inspirational. The rhythm is a bit slow, so maybe listen to it while warming up or jogging.
Lyrics: It’s asking for the taking/ Come run with me now/ The sky is the color of blue/ You’ve never even seen/ In the eyes of your lover.
Running Out of Time – Hot Hot Heat
Well, exercise running isn’t the only kind out there. There’s running late, running for the hills, and running out of time. That’s what Hot Hot Heat made evident in this 2005 indie hit.
The lyrics are humorous and fun to listen to while running, and the beat will get you going. Plus, the ‘Running out of time’ mantra may encourage you to cross the finish line faster!
Lyrics: But I’m running out of time/ I’m running out of time/ I’m running out of time/ I’ve run out of time.
I Keep Running – Ryan Adams
If you’re going about your daily jog, you may feel more encouraged by listening to the mellow guitar tones of this song. It’s not your average rock song that’ll get your heartbeats going, but the beautiful lyrics and the gentle rhythm will distract you from the pain in your feet.
Adams talked about jogging in an interview once, claiming that running becomes the most challenging 15 minutes after the start. Well, I can’t say I disagree with that!
Take It On The Run – REO Speedwagon
This song may not be the best hit of REO Speedwagon, but it’s one of the best running songs indeed. The ’80’s-themed beats and the powerful lyrics will get you off your feet faster than you can blink.
Besides, the verse that says ‘You’re under the gun, so you take it on the run’ may be more than enough to get you to go faster!
Shoes for Running – Big Boi ft. B.O.B & Wavves
There’s no better song for running than one that’s entirely about running! The speed of the rhythm is uncanny, and it’s just what you need to cross the finish line of that marathon you’re waiting for.
Besides, the lyrics are catchy, so you can enjoy singing along while you’re running. But, of course, that’s if you can keep up with speed!
Lyrics: The end is coming/ I would race ya/ But there’s no running/ It’ll chase ya/ Death will hunt you down.
Run to the Hills – Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden’s songs were all the hype in the ’80s, so they may fail to reach modern audiences nowadays. However, that doesn’t make this song any less cool. Although it’s about running to the hills rather than running a marathon, its lyrics will still resound with your experience.
The rock beats paired with the electric guitar tones are enough to get you running.
Lyrics: Run to the hills/ Run for your lives/ Run to the hills/ Run for your lives.
I Run for Life – Melissa Etheridge
I Run for Life may be the most powerful song on this list, being about a breast cancer survivor. Since her diagnosis in 2004, Melissa Etheridge has been a significant advocate for breast cancer awareness, and this song is only one part of her journey.
The lyrics may seem upsetting, but if you put them in perspective, you’ll find that they’re actually pretty motivational.
Let’s Go On The Run – Chance
The fast tempo of Chance’s song here may be what you need to cross that finish line. Running can get overwhelming, but Chance’s voice rapping out, ‘I wanna run away now’ in your ear, will take the edge off and get you going.
I don’t know about you, but rap songs are sometimes just the right dose of motivation I need!
Stand Up and Run – Billy Talent
Are you not motivated enough to run today? Maybe what you need is Billy Talent chanting ‘Stand up and run’ repeatedly in your ears. Granted, the song isn’t about working out, but who cares about context, anyway?
The electric guitar tones and the singer’s raspy voice aren’t only lovely, but they’re catchy too.
Lyrics: And the time has passed/ (Stand up and run)/ We’ll still make it last/ (Stand up and run)/ And I hope this leads you right back into my arms.
100 Miles and Running – NWA
Don’t you love songs that address real social problems? 100 Miles and Running isn’t only one of the best songs to run to, but it’s also about hate against the African-American community.
Aside from the song’s noble topic, the rhythm is fast, and the lyrics are spat out in a compelling manner. It’s the perfect song to sprint to.
Run This Town – Jay Z ft. Kanye West and Rihanna
I don’t know about you, but I’d take a Jay Z, Kanye West, and Rihanna song over any other song seven days of the week. Ths lyrics are powerful and demand your attention, and the fast tempo will have you sprinting as if your life depends on it.
Run This Town may be the motivation you need to finish today’s training session. These lyrics are enough for the job: Walking tall against the rain/ Victory is within the mile/ Almost there, don’t give up now/ Only thing that’s on my mind Is who’s gonna run this town tonight.
Run Rabbit Run – Eminem
Despite its Oscar win, Lose Yourself isn’t the only good song in the 8 Mile movie. Run Rabbit Run is worthy of attention, too, although it’s not as good as the Oscar winner.
Eminem’s voice spitting out powerful lyrics will get you off your feet fast, so you don’t need to worry about motivation when listening to this song. If you ever feel sleepy or tired before running, just put on Run Rabbit Run, and it’ll give you a headstart.
Running – Moderat
If this song doesn’t motivate you, it may creep you out, so it’ll get you running either way. Although I disagree, some people say that the lyrics are a bit haunting and urge you to run as if you’re being chased.
That’s not necessarily true, but if it gets you running, so be it! The official video of the song is also basically a pilot running for the whole clip, so it’s a bonus.
Lyrics: Up the hill, down the hall/ You choose to do the walking/ So I keep on running/ So I keep on running.
The Runner – Foals
The Runner by Foals is all about running, which is one of many reasons why it’s the perfect song to listen to while doing your favorite workout. The lyrics are motivational and powerful, and the anthem-like tempo is all you need to get your feet going.
Lyrics: Oh, If I fall down, fall down/ Then I know to keep on running (whoa)/ Fall down, when I slow down (keep on running)/ Slow down (and we keep on running).
Take the Money and Run – Steve Miller Band
Okay, let’s be clear about something, taking the money and running isn’t cool! However, this song is. It’s not too fast that you can’t keep up, and it’s not too slow that it’s not motivating you. It’s the sweet spot between both, and it’s funny, which is a bonus.
Lyrics: They got the money, hey, you know they got away/ They headed down south, and they’re still running today/ Singin’ go on take the money and run.
Run Run Run – Jill Scott
If you need someone to tell you to Run, Run, Run, this song will. It’s like having an entire team of cheerleaders cheering on you until you cross the finish line—at least that’s what the lyrics feel like.
If you’re a mother, it’s a huge bonus because the song is basically about mothers running to get their errands done.
Lyrics: Mama’s workin’ and (you) know mama’s able/ I gotta run run run run, I’m Superwoman/ Flying through the city/ There’s only one way to make baby go and get it/ Overworked. Underpaid, lord knows I need a raise.
Well, lord knows we all need a raise!
Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
What’s better than a classic Christmas song to get you motivated?
I bet the song’s title reminded you of Tom Hank’s Forrest Gump and its iconic line, Run Forrest Run. Well, This song by Chuck Berry preceded the movie by decades, having been published in 1958.
The song is about Rudolph delivering gifts on Christmas, which is one reason why people love it. But aside from that, it’s a pretty good song to listen to while you’re running your daily session.
Marathon – Rush
For most beginner runners, marathons are a real pet peeve. If you get exhausted after running, say, five miles, you’ll definitely be afraid of the idea of running a 26.2-mile marathon. Well, this song by Rush may give you enough motivation to train for it and actually do it.
All the lyrics are about running a marathon, relating to runners in every aspect of the suffering they go through to finish the race.
I believe this song is the ultimate motivation for someone training to run a marathon. Add it to your playlist and amp up your will for the race.
Lyrics: It’s a test of ultimate will/ The heartbreak climb uphill/ Got to pick up the pace/ If you want to stay in the race.
Run Like Hell – Pink Floyd
If you want to run like hell, there’s no better way to do it than to listen to Pink Floyd. This song isn’t one of their best; I’ll give you that. But it’s still good enough for a solid running session. It’s not too fast that it’ll give you a backlash, so it’s a nice choice for training sessions.
Besides, the repetition of the word run throughout the song leaves no doubt in your mind that you should be running right now.
Lyrics: You’d better run/ Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run/ Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run/ You better run all day/ And run all night.
Run to You – Bryan Adams
That wasn’t one of Adams’ best lyrical situations; I’ll give you that. But it’s definitely one of the best rock songs for running. The electric guitar is the main singer here, and the rhythm is as catchy as they get.
The song is probably about having a mistress, but you can always tune out and only focus when the singer says, ‘I’m gonna run.’ And that’s basically half of the song, anyway!
Running With the Devil – Van Halen
Letting go and running is always an encouraging act. Maybe not up to the point of running with the devil, but this song makes letting go seem extra good.
The songwriter is basically saying that running with the devil is the only way to go when there’s no one waiting at home for you. Whether you agree or not, we can’t deny the song is a good motivation for running.
Lyrics: I live my life like there’s no tomorrow/ And all I’ve got, I had to steal/ Least I don’t need to beg or borrow/ Yes I’m livin’ at a pace that kills.
Run Run Run – Kelly Clarkson ft. John Legend
Nothing bad can come out of a song featuring John Legend and Kelly Clarkson. Add to that some lyrics about running, and you get the perfect choice for your training playlist.
Like a lot of songs on this list, the lyrics aren’t exactly about running, but the singer does go, ‘And I run, run, run, run, run, I run, run, run, run, run, I just run, run, run.’
So, I guess we can say running takes a pretty large chunk off the lyrics.
I Run to You – Lady A
The steady rhythm of I Run to You makes it one of the best songs to work out to. It encourages you to keep a steady beat as your feet hit the ground, and its lyrics hit right home. Warning: you may get a little emotional.
Lyrics: I run my life/ Or is it runnin’ me?/ Run from my past/ I run too fast/ Or too slow, it seems.
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, there are endless songs about running. Granted, not all of them are about running as an exercise, but does it make much difference?
When going through marathon training, I doubt you’ll give much thought to the lyrics. All you’ll need is a powerful voice and some strong tunes that’ll distract you from the pain, and that’s just what these songs give you.