Music for running 2024: the best songs in English

Do you enjoy running to the beat of your favourite tunes while out on your runs? Read on to find some of the best songs to accompany you on your training sessions!

If you’ve noticed that you can run faster and for longer when listening to music, you’re certainly not just imagining things. Music has been proven to boost your endurance, speed, and sensations, improving your overall running performance. Research has pinpointed the reasons behind this phenomenon: 

• Auditory-motor synchronisation: external, acoustic stimuli can act like a pacemaker, resulting in the regulation of the speed of motion and increased running economy. In other words, we tend to couple our movements to the rhythm of the song, making it easier to sustain a constant speed. 
• Mood-boosting: music distracts us from feelings like fatigue and exertion, helping us zone out during a monotonous long run or spurring us on during a tough interval session. It can also help reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, which are all common factors that can affect our mood during a run.

Running to your songs of choice can motivate you, help you to improve your times, and, above all, enhance your experience on the roads or trails!

From a safety point of view, we advise you to use bone conduction headphones such as the Shokz OpenRun Pro so that you can be aware of your surroundings while running. It's important that you stay in touch with the world around you, especially if you're sharing the road with other users. These headphones are also authorised for use in all UK races.

Buy the Shokz OpenRun Pro from Amazon

Your choice of track is important. Upbeat songs with a fast, infectious tempo or motivational songs with a powerful, positive message are key to lifting your mood and pace. You can play around with different tempos and styles to find what works best for you for your different mindsets and sessions.

Without further ado, here’s our selection of some of the very best music for running. 

Born to run

Bruce Springsteen

With a title like this, this song had to make it onto our list. Its great lyrics, upbeat tempo, and fantastic instrumental work make it a true masterpiece of our times. The song’s raw energy will lift you from the deepest of running slumps and push you towards that finish line. 

Pump it

Black Eyed Peas

This is such a fun, infectious track that it’s bound to pick you up during your run. Save it for when you’re struggling, and prepare to be amazed by the difference it will make!

Eye of the Tiger

Survivor

No running playlist would be complete without this song. No matter how many times you listen to it, this classic from the Rocky soundtrack is the ultimate motivator, and is guaranteed to give you a boost. If you’re flagging during your run, switch to this track and get ready for your mood and pace to soar! 

Scatman

Scatman John

Ethiopian distance track and road running athlete and multiple World Record holder Haile Gebrselassie famously trained to this song. Its catchy, positive vibes will brighten up your run, for sure. Even if you can't quite match Haile's pace, have a go at synchronising your cadence to the track's beat, and see where it takes you! 

Paper planes

M.I.A.

This 2008 hit from hip-hop artist M.I.A. features a relaxed but high-tempo beat that will keep you bouncing happily along your run. It’s a versatile song that you can use for any type of workout, from a steady outing all the way up to your hardest interval session.

Pump it up

Elvis Costello

This song was released in 1978, and went on to become one of Costello’s best-known songs and a rock and roll classic. Its awesome bass line will help you tick off the miles, and has the perfect beat for a long, steady run. 

Can’t stop

Red hot Chili Peppers

Can't Stop was one of the most popular songs from the bands eighth album By the Way, released in 2002. It's a timeless track packed full of energy, supreme bass and keyboard solos, and an unrivalled beat that will keep your legs pumping for miles.

Fight song

Rachel Platten

Another great one for when you need a some positive vibes during your long run. The lyrics are the perfect motivation if you're starting to flag, and the uplifting beat will distract you from your aching muscles.

Mr Brightside

The Killers

This ultimate pick-me-up song from the Killers will give you an energy boost, for sure, and will be a welcome blast from the past if you grew up in the early 2000s! It’s from the band’s 2004 debut album, Hot Fuss, which is packed full of other fantastic feel-good tracks that will help get you through the toughest of workouts.

Lose yourself

Eminem

A bit of rap mixed into your playlist will do wonders, and this groundbreaking track from Eminem is just the ticket. It's edgy, provocative lyrics and nervous energy might give you the kick you need if you're flagging during your workout. “Lose yourself in the music” and let your feet lead the way!

On top of the world

Imagine Dragons

This catchy tune from Imagine Dragons is a wonderful companion for a steady run. In the depths of a long session, it can be easy to find yourself questioning your life choices, but these lyrics will bring a smile to your face and remind you of the beauty of running.

Time to get running

We hope you've enjoyed browsing through these songs. Try them out on your runs, and see where they take you!