100 Best Running Songs That’ll Motivate You To Get Moving

Whether you’re trying to find the motivation to get off the couch and get moving or finish that last half mile of your marathon, we’ve got the songs you need to get pumped up to run faster for longer.

What better way to find the best running songs than to ask actual runners? We at KURU Footwear compiled our top 100 songs to run to that’ll get you motivated and singing along while you lap the competition, do some cardio training on the elliptical or treadmill or get out and hit the trails.

Check out our running playlist below and crank up your headphones—it’s about to get sweaty!

1. “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé

What’s a better hype song than a Beyoncé classic? Get the blood flowing and the good vibes going with this empowering and upbeat hit.

BPM: 127

2. “Higher Love” by Kygo + Whitney Houston

Who doesn’t love jamming out to Whitney Houston? Great for a quick power walk or light jog, this song will boost those dopamine levels and put a smile on your face.

BPM: 104

3. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine

It’s impossible to sit still while listening to this song. See if you can match your cadence with the fast rhythm for a heart-pumping sprint to the finish line.

BPM: 150

4. “Cold Little Heart – Radio Edit” by Michael Kiwanuka

Any fans of Big Little Lies? Disassociate while listening to the theme song of the show and pretend you’re also in the show running away from all the secrets you’re hiding. Perfect for a run along the beach if you want the full effect!

BPM: 110

5. “Wake Me Up” by Avicii

This upbeat jam will have you thinking about your life as you take every step closer to your goals and crossing the finish line.

BPM: 124

6. “Like I Can” by Sam Smith

Great for a light jog or power walk, Sam Smith will get you fired up and ready to get moving.

BPM: 100

7. “I Don’t Care” by Ed Sheeran + Justin Bieber

Calling all Beliebers! This hit will put a smile on your face and get you stepping to the beat on your next run.

BPM: 102

8. “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys

Great for hill work or a cool down, this empowering song will hype you up and give you the motivation you need to keep pushing throughout your run.

BPM: 93

9. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen

Yes, this song did, in fact, make our list—whether you love it or hate it. This upbeat megahit will get your heart rate up as you match your steps to the beats per minute of the song.

BPM: 120

10. “212” by Azealia Banks + Lazzy Jay

Hot girl walk anyone? This viral TikTok jam will have you feeling yourself and stepping to the beat like you’re on a runway.

BPM: 126

11. “Sun Don’t Shine” by Klangkarussell + Jaymes Young

Perfect for a summer run, this vibey song will put you in a good mood and make you want to get up and dance.

BPM: 120

12. “Bloom” by The Paper Kites

Connect with nature on a crisp, early morning run by turning up this song in your headphones.

BPM: 96

13. “She Lit a Fire” by Lord Huron

Sometimes fall and winter runs need their own playlists, and this song should be on one of them. This soothing hit will have you feeling refreshed at the end of your run.

BPM: 85

14. “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti

It’s impossible not to picture Rocky training and running up those steps when you hear this song. Let this song motivate you to push past your breaking point and continue in the race.

BPM: 95

15. “All Too Well (10-Minute Version)” by Taylor Swift

Time to get in your feels! Taylor Swift’s 10-minute version of All Too Well is the perfect post-breakup song to listen to on your run. Just think—you could run three miles in 30 minutes by only listening to this song three times (as long as you run a 10-minute mile)!

BPM: 93

16. “Bang Bang” by Jessie J + Arianna Grande + Nicki Minaj

Time to get hype! This jam will have you stomping to the beat and feeling invincible on your next run.

BPM: 150

17. “Pon de Replay” by Rihanna

Who doesn’t love a Rihanna classic? Reminisce while listening to this song that might make you stop running so you can dance instead.

BPM: 99

18. “Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry

With 132 BPM, Katy Perry’s Hot N Cold is the perfect running song that falls in that endurance-building range of around 130 BPM.

BPM: 132

19. “Physical” by Dua Lipa

If you’re aiming for a 10-minute mile, picking songs around 150 BPM to listen to can be a great way to keep your pace up. This song will do just that at 147 BPM!

BPM: 147

20. “Kiwi” by Harry Styles

Who doesn’t love some Harry Styles? His song, Kiwi, will get you sprinting that last lap to the finish line.

BPM: 147

21. “Mr. Saxobeat” by Alexandra Stan

Another classic. This upbeat song will get you moving and grooving on your next run.

BPM: 127

22. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift

You really can’t go wrong with Taylor Swift. Shake off the stress of the day with this hit on your next run!

BPM: 160

23. “Good Girls Go Bad” by Cobra Starship + Leighton Meester

Stomp to the beat or see if you can match your run cadence to the 120 BPM of this upbeat hit.

BPM: 120

24. “Blue World” by Mac Miller

Great for a cool down at the end of your run, this comforting Mac Miller jam will slow down your heartbeat and get your body ready for recovery.

BPM: 85

25. “Animal” by Neon Trees

Another great hit for that 10-minute mile pace, this song will motivate you to make that extra push.

BPM: 148

26. “Feel This Moment” by Pitbull + Christina Aguilera

This song will make you want to get up and move, so you might as well add it to your running playlist!

BPM: 136

27. “Beige” by Yoke Lore

Perfect for a crisp morning run, this inspiring song is great for an interval run as you try and match your footsteps with the beat.

BPM: 168

28. “When I Grow Up” by The Pussycat Dolls

Step to the beat as you pretend to walk the runway while listening to this throwback.

BPM: 118

29. “Golden” by Harry Styles

Another Harry hit, this feel-good song is perfect for your next outdoor run with the sun shining on you.

BPM: 140

30. “Burnin’ Up” by The Jonas Brothers

We had to include this Jonas Brothers hit in our list. It might be impossible not to scream out the iconic “red dress” line on your run—so you’ve been warned!

BPM: 114

31. “Countdown” by Beyoncé

Count down the minutes in your run with this motivating classic by Beyoncé.

BPM: 167

32. “The Sound” by The 1975

This can be a great song for walking or light jogging at 121 BPM.

BPM: 121

33. “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire

It’s impossible not to groove to this song when it’s in the title. Add this to your running playlist to get the good vibes flowing on your next run.

BPM: 125

34. “Cold Cold Man” by Saint Motel

This retro hit will put you in a good mood to keep running that extra lap!

BPM: 111

35. “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé + JAY-Z

Another hot girl walk hit, this song will have you feeling powerful and confident on your next walk or run.

BPM: 99

36. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac

This classic will have you singing along and running to the beat.

BPM: 120

37. “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna

Rihanna’s songs always pack a punch with upbeat rhythms that just make you want to get up and dance—and this song is no exception.

BPM: 123

38. “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding

Great for some wind sprints, at 190 BPM, this song will have your heart pumping and your legs burning.

BPM: 190

39. “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees

How can you not strut to this song like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever? This song deserves a spot on your next running playlist.

BPM: 104

40. “First Class” by Jack Harlow

Let Jack Harlow put you in first class as your step to the beat of this song.

BPM: 107

41. “Karma” by Taylor Swift

Taylor claims yet another spot on our list. Her new hit, Karma, is a great warm-up song for your next run, putting you in a good mood and getting the body loosened up to go the extra mile.

BPM: 90

42. “Day ‘N’ Nite” by Kid Cudi

Perfect for an early morning or late night run, this hip-hop throwback will help you free your mind on your next run.

BPM: 138

43. “Escapism.” by RAYE + 070 Shake

This viral TikTok song will have you strutting to the lyrics as you crush your daily steps goal.

BPM: 96

44. “Lost” by Frank Ocean

Get lost in the lyrics—not on your run—with this Frank Ocean classic.

BPM: 123

45. “I Wanna Get Better” by Bleachers

Are you a fan of the early 2000s alternative hits? This song may be perfect for you on your next run!

BPM: 190

46. “Spaceman” by The Killers

Another alternative classic, this upbeat song will motivate you to keep going.

BPM: 155

47. “Love It If We Made It” by The 1975

Are you the type of runner that likes to go for a run to clear your head? This song might be perfect for those who want to run away from the stress of the day.

BPM: 180

48. “Roses” by The Chainsmokers + ROZES

This ultimate summer jam will have you bobbing your head and running to the beat on your next jog.

BPM: 100

49. “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

We had to include some classics in our list—and what’s more classic than Queen? This song will get you up and going on your next run, and no one will be able to stop you!

BPM: 156

50. “Does Your Mother Know” by ABBA

Who doesn’t love a bit of ABBA? This feel-good classic should find its way onto your next workout playlist.

BPM: 136

51. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

Come out of your cage and run to this hit from The Killers! This one will be hard not to sing along with as you listen to it on your next run.

BPM: 148

52. “Heat Above” by Greta Van Fleet

At 139 BPM, this is the perfect song to boost your endurance and stamina on your next run.

BPM: 139

53. “State of Grace (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift

Another feel-good song from Taylor Swift that will keep you motivated on your next run.

BPM: 130

54. “Music For a Sushi Restaurant” by Harry Styles

Listen to this vibey bop on your next run to lift your spirits and boost those dopamine levels.

BPM: 107

55. “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley

We had to include the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, Mr. Elvis Presley, in our best running songs list. Even if classics aren’t your thing, this song is sure to put you in a good mood.

BPM: 117

56. “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” by PinkPantheress + Ice Spice

Another viral TikTok anthem, this song is a must-listen on your next hot girl walk or run.

BPM: 133

57. “I Like It” by Enrique Iglesias + Pitbull

This throwback will have you singing along the next time you hit the trails.

BPM: 129

58. “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj

Next time you train on the treadmill, add this to your playlist to get you stepping to the beat and singing all the words.

BPM: 127

59. “my ex’s best friend” by Machine Gun Kelly + blackbear

This newer hit is great for getting your heart rate up as you match your cadence to the 125 BPM.

BPM: 125

60. “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay

This Coldplay song has a great beat to run to and inspiring lyrics to motivate you on your next run.

BPM: 124

61. “Stronger” by Kanye West

Run further and get stronger while you listen to this Kanye hit the next time you pound the pavement.

BPM: 104

62. “2 Heads” by Coleman Hell

This vibey bop will get you up off the couch and jogging down the street. At 120 BPM, this song is perfect for improving your running stamina.

BPM: 120

63. “On The Floor” by Jennifer Lopez + Pitbull

Do as Jennifer says, and “don’t stop, keep it moving” on your next run with this song on your playlist.

BPM: 130

64. “I Love It” by Icona Pop + Charlie XCX

Impossible not to bob your head to, this lively song will keep you motivated.

BPM: 126

65. “POWER” by Kanye West

The ultimate hype song, Kanye West’s POWER will inspire you to keep pushing yourself to run further, faster and harder.

BPM: 154

66. “The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco

This upbeat song is great for long-distance runs to build your endurance.

BPM: 143

67. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson

In this song, Kelly sings “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” With this song on your running playlist, you’re sure to feel motivated to keep going.

BPM: 116

68. “Daylight” by Matt and Kim

This nostalgic hit is a perfect mood-booster for your next jog.

BPM: 103

69. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga

This megahit will motivate and empower you to run faster on your next run.

BPM: 124

70. “According to You” by Orianthi

If you want to feel confident and invincible on your next run, we’d recommended adding this song to your playlist.

BPM: 131

71. “Temperature” by Sean Paul

Crank up the temperature with this bop that will get you moving and singing along the next time you hit the trails.

BPM: 125

72. “Look What You’ve Done” by Tasha Layton

This inspiring song is great for recovering at the end of your next run.

BPM: 77

73. “Lean On” by Major Lazor + MØ + DJ Snake

Power walk to this dance/electronic hit to pump up your mood and boost your serotonin.

BPM: 98

74. “Love Myself” by Hailee Steinfeld

Feel confident and free on your next run with this song on your playlist.

BPM: 123

75. “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” by Mike Posner + Seeb

Step along to this throwback hit with good vibes and a great beat.

BPM: 102

76. “bad guy” by Billie Eilish

Embrace your alter ego on your next run with this Billie Eilish jam.

BPM: 135

77. “Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons

Stay motivated to do whatever it takes to finish out your run with this song on your playlist.

BPM: 135

78. “The Man” by Taylor Swift

Great for a light jog, this inspiring Taylor Swift hit is a must for any running playlist.

BPM: 110

79. “Empire State of Mind” by JAY-Z + Alicia Keys

At 174 BPM, this song made it on our list since it’s a great tempo to run to if your goal is an 8-minute mile.

BPM: 174

80. “Whatever You Like” by T.I.

Perfect for a 10-minute mile pace with feel-good lyrics and 150 BPM, this song is a great song to run to.

BPM: 150

81. “Sk8ter Boi” by Avril Lavigne

Impossible not to sing along to, this song is another great song to run to if you’re aiming to run a 10-minute mile.

BPM: 150

82. “Formation” by Beyoncé

Beyoncé said it best—“Okay, ladies, now let’s get in formation.” Grab your headphones and jam to this song on your next run.

BPM: 122

83. “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus

Great for a warmup or cooldown, this song will leave you feeling motivated.

BPM: 80

84. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

This all-time classic will give you the boost you need to keep believing in yourself and go that extra mile.

BPM: 119

85. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem

Are you a fan of rap and hip-hop? Let Eminem’s lyrics motivate you on your next run with this song.

BPM: 171

86. “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac

Get those good vibes going with this Fleetwood Mac classic that will have you running your own way.

BPM: 135

87. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

This couldn’t be a list of the best running songs without including this all-time classic motivational song. Get the eye of the tiger on your next run as you crush your goals and push toward the finish line while listening to this song.

BPM: 109

88. “On Top Of The World” by Imagine Dragons

Feel motivated and on top of the world as you listen to this song the next time you go for a run.

BPM: 100

89. “ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine

Calling all heartbroken runners! Sometimes the perfect time to go for a run is when you need to get out of your head and run away from the pain—this song is perfect for that.

BPM: 148

90. “Electric Love” by BØRNS

Get an electric burst of energy on your next run with this feel-good jam turned up in your headphones.

BPM: 120

91. “Talk Too Much” by COIN

Want to drown out all the talk around you? This upbeat bop will silence the noise on your next jog.

BPM: 104

92. “Just Like A Movie” by Wallows

If you put this song on during your next run, the smooth guitar and moody vocals will make you feel like you’re in your own indie movie.

BPM: 136

93. “Walking On A Dream” by Empire of the Sun

Feel like you’re walking on a dream with this indie pop hit that will put a smile on your face and get you stomping along to the beat.

BPM: 127

94. “Clocks” by Coldplay

This motivational Coldplay song is perfect for your next run through the city.

BPM: 131

95. “Forever” by Labrinth

If you’re a fan of the HBO hit series, Euphoria, consider adding this jam to your running playlist for a great cool-down song.

BPM: 80

96. “Run Boy Run” by Woodkid

Maybe you need a little motivation from the feeling of being chased to kick you into gear for your next sprint. This song is perfect for just that.

BPM: 134

97. “One Of Us” by ABBA

Great for a run cool-down, at 82 BPM, this nostalgic song will slow down your heart rate and breathing to begin active recovery.

BPM: 82

98. “The Greatest Show” by The Greatest Showman

Who doesn’t love a musical number? This inspirational hit from The Greatest Showman might be just what you need to stay motivated on your next run.

BPM: 158

99. “Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran

This feel-good Ed Sheeran song will lift your spirits and get your feet moving at 135 BPM.

BPM: 135

100. “Time to Run” by Lord Huron

Another great song for a trail run, this indie/folk hit will push you to run further than you thought you could.

BPM: 109

Benefits of Listening to Music While Running

Running even just five minutes a day can improve your health, but did you know that listening to music while running does much more than just get you moving? Here are some of the scientifically proven benefits of listening to your favorite jams while pounding the pavement.

• Boosts your mood: We all have favorite hype songs that get us pumped up and put us in a better mood. Running to songs you know will make you happy, increases your dopamine levels and reduces stress and anxiety.
• Improves your performance: Studies show that listening to music while running increases your overall effort and motivation, improving your run performance.
• Increases your stamina: Music can help you run faster and for longer by causing you to sync your steps with the beat per minute (BPM) of the song you’re listening to. If you want to pick up the pace, look for motivating songs with a BPM between 120 and 130.
• Aids in recovery: Listening to slower, more calming songs towards the end of your run can help slow down your pace and breathing, bringing down that heart rate to allow your body to recover.
• Distracts your mind: Putting together a running playlist helps your mind dissociate while running, and can distract you from the pain and fatigue your muscles and mind may feel.

Not sure where to start with your running playlist? Check out our Spotify playlist with some of the best running songs to help you stay motivated and improve your performance, stamina and recovery while running.

If you’re experiencing heel pain after running, which is a common side effect of plantar fasciitis, consider switching out your running shoes with ones designed to provide extra cushion to absorb the impact of your run. Be sure to check the fit and give your toes the room they need.

Whether you’re a new runner or have hundreds of miles under your belt, KURU has a pair of running shoes for you!

Sourcing

• Music boosts dopamine. De Gruyter (March 2022)
• Benefits of listening to music while exercising. National Library of Medicine (April 2021)

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