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The Best Running Songs for Every Kind of Run

A playlist sorted by the run you're on, from easy miles to sprints to the songs that carry you through a half marathon.

Updated July 12, 2026: Refreshed for the new site. Fixed a few song titles and removed outdated links.

A runner at sunset on an open trail

Perhaps you believe that running is hard. Maybe you're a runner, and no matter what you do, you're not seeing the results you expected by now.

The truth is, running can suck at times.

Sure, you tell yourself that you enjoy running or that you need to run. But let's be honest. Sometimes you wonder whether you're crazy for being a "runner."

Even the best runners experience dread from time to time. The thing is, you need a weapon. Something that will get you through the most brutal mile. You could try memorizing some mantras, but we all know how that goes.

Music is the secret weapon.

Pick your favorites from the songs below and queue them up for your next run. We want to encourage you to add some variety to your routine by trying new songs. You might be surprised. Either way, we know one (or all) of these in your ear will change the way a hard mile feels.

What song do you listen to when...

I'm on an easy run

  • "Happy" (from Despicable Me 2) - Pharrell Williams
  • "Water Me" - Lizzo
  • "Go Home" - will.i.am, Mick Jagger
  • "Teeth" - 5 Seconds of Summer
  • "SummerThing!" - Afrojack, Mike Taylor

I'm on a long run

  • "Three Little Birds" - Bob Marley & The Wailers
  • "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey
  • "Hotel California" - Eagles
  • "Unstoppable" - The Score
  • "Whatever It Takes" - Imagine Dragons

I'm sprinting

  • "Thunderstruck" - AC/DC
  • "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark" - Fall Out Boy
  • "American Idiot" - Green Day
  • "Legends Are Made" - Sam Tinnesz
  • "Can't Hold Us" - Macklemore

Songs for a walk/jog/run workout

  • "Eye Of The Tiger" - Survivor
  • "Best Day Of My Life" - American Authors
  • "Counting Stars" - OneRepublic
  • "Shivers" - Ed Sheeran
  • "A Sky Full of Stars" - Coldplay

High-energy songs to sing out loud

  • "Welcome To The Jungle" - Guns N' Roses
  • "Hello Good Morning" - Diddy
  • "Lose Yourself" - Eminem
  • "Animal" - Maroon 5
  • "In My Feelings" - Drake

Best sweaty workout songs ever

  • "Centuries" - Fall Out Boy
  • "Audio" - Sia, Diplo, Labrinth (LSD)
  • "Welcome to the Black Parade" - My Chemical Romance
  • "(F**k A) Silver Lining" - Panic! At The Disco
  • "Stronger" - Kanye West

Bonus: half marathon padding

If you are building your half marathon playlist and need a few extra songs to get through those miles:

  • "I'm Born To Run" - American Authors
  • "Numb/Encore" - Linkin Park & Jay-Z
  • "Sun Is Shining" - Axwell /\ Ingrosso
  • "New Day" - Alicia Keys
  • "Turn Down for What" - DJ Snake & Lil Jon
  • "Timber" - Pitbull
  • "Farrah Fawcett Hair" - Capital Cities

Building a playlist for a race? Pair it with our race day tips so the music is the only surprise on the course.

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