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51 Best Running Songs – Running Motivation Songs

If you run regularly but have trouble staying motivated to finish the course, you may find that listening to running songs is the perfect solution. The best running songs with their upbeat tempos can help you maintain your pace when you might want to quit.

You will find running tunes from all genres of music on this list, let’s dive our picks:

1. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger (Official HD Video)

The best running songs have over 120 beats per minute, and this song that was made famous in the Rocky movies qualifies. Assume an all-or-nothing attitude and get moving as soon as the early strums start on this song. If you sign up for a race, you are very likely to hear this song played.

Next: Best workout songs of all time (our top list)

2. Till I Collapse – Eminem

Consider this song a pep talk and keep your feet moving. American rapper Nate Dogg performs the hook in this rap song that is the perfect addition to your running playlist for right around the time that you want to quit. People have downloaded this song from Eminem’s 2002 The Eminem Show more than 1 million times.

Next: Songs about strength and not giving up

3. Wake me Up – Avicii

Avicii - Wake Me Up (Official Video)

Feel the vibrations of Aloe Blacc’s gruff, soulful vocals as you pound the ground while listening to Wake Me Up. The bulletproof talent for EDM charted a new course when this song was released, and you can use it to motivate you forward while running.

Next: Best songs about dreaming and chasing them

4. Motivation – Normani

Normani - Motivation (Official Video)

American singer Normani had a breakthrough song with Motivation, which she released on August 16, 2019. Ariana Grande, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Max Martin, Normani, Savan Kotecha collaborated to write this song that was the first that the singer released without an accompanying singer.

Next: The most inspirational and motivational songs ever

5. Firework – Katy Perry

Katy Perry - Firework (Official Music Video)

You may find yourself adding a little dance step to your running when listening to Firework. This song is a self-improvement anthem that you can take to heart. Perry released this song that she co-wrote with Perry Stargate, Sandy Wilhelm and Ester Dean on her Teenage Dream album in 2010.

Next: The best songs that everyone knows (or almost everyone)

6. Con Altura – Rosalía

ROSALÍA, J Balvin - Con Altura (Official Video) ft. El Guincho

Con Altura is a radio catchphrase, meaning taking something to a new level. You can certainly do that when listening to Con Altura featuring by Spanish pop artist Rosalía. This song, released on March 28, 2019, was streamed more than 1.5 billion times before the year was done and started Rosalia’s international career.

Next: The best songs about running away

7. I Like It – Bad Bunny

Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin - I Like It [Official Music Video]

The boogaloo beat in I Like It by Cardi B makes this an uplifting song. The rhumba-jazz fusion in this song released on Bad Bunny’s Invasion of Privacy albumin 2018. Rolling Stone Magazine named this song the best summer song of all time.

8. Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa - Don't Start Now (Official Music Video)

The bouncy disco vibe of Don’t Start Now by Dua Lipa makes this the perfect running song. The funk bassline of this song released in 2002 is reminiscent of songs by Bee Gees, Daft Punk and Two Door Cinema Club. This song has 124 beats per minute, so it is the perfect tune to encourage you to run faster.

Next: Best disco songs of all time (our top list)

9. Stronger – Kayne West

Kanye West - Stronger

This song, released in 2007, speaks directly to the amount of work required to run regularly. The soundtracks from French house duo Daft Punk’s song Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger incorporated into this hip-hop song will inspire you to overcome running mistakes that you have made in the past. This hit is loosely based on Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous dictum, “What does not kill him, makes him stronger.

Next: Songs about work and working hard at your job

10. Up The Mountain – Vince DiCola

This entrancing track from the Rocky IV soundtrack may not be as popular as “Eye of the Tiger”, but we really think it steals the show off the movie’s album!

11. Blinding Lights – Weeknd

The Weeknd - Blinding Lights (Official Audio)

The underlying beat of Blinding Lights makes this option a great running song for the long haul. You will appreciate the simplicity of this hit’s rhythm and melody when you want to zone out and stay in your groove. This song released in 2020 will remind you of great rock songs from the 1980s with more synthesizers.

Next: The top songs from the 80s

12. La Romana – Bad bunny

BAD BUNNY FT. EL ALFA - LA ROMANA | X100PRE (Video Oficial)

When you need a great beat to keep you running hard, La Romana is the song you need to be listening to on your playlist. While the first part of the song will keep you moving, about halfway through, it adds vocals by rapper El Alfa that will encourage you to work even harder. This hit was released on the Puerto Rican’s debut X 100pre album.

13. POWER – Kanye West

Kanye West - POWER

The handclap beats and cheerleading-style shouts in POWER will keep you motivated. West released this song on his 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

14. Good As Hell – Lizzo

Lizzo - Good As Hell (Video)

You will find yourself appreciating every lyric of the self-affirmations in Good As Hell. This song, released on March 8, 2016, will help you appreciate where you are at instead of where you are going in your workout scheme.

15. Vossi Bop – Stormzy

STORMZY - VOSSI BOP

Vossi Bop is a song you can listen to numerous times while running and appreciate it for a different reason each time. For example, the first time you hear this song released on Heavy in the Head, you may appreciate this song’s catchy lyrics while the next time, you may love its creative beats. This fun track is a fun song that will keep you striving to do your best.

Next: Best pump up songs for a sports event

16. Beat It – Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson - Beat It (Official 4K Video)

Michael Jackson’s hit Beat It is a great 1980s running song that needs to be on your current playlist. This song, released on February 14, 1983, won Grammy awards for the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance and Recording of the Year, and you may want to add your own best running song award to that list.

17. Crazy in Love – Beyoncé

Beyoncé - Crazy In Love ft. JAY Z

You may fall in love with running all over again when you listen to Crazy in Love. This love song incorporates hip hop, soul, and 1970s-style funk music elements that have caused runners to add it to their playlist since its release on May 14, 2003, on Dangerously in Love.

18. Level Up – Ciara

If your reason for running is to be your best self, you will love the electronic dance music hit Level Up. The lyrics of this song, released on July 18, 2018, will help remind you that you must take care of yourself first.

19. Bad Guy – Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish - bad guy (Official Music Video)

A synth bass, a kick drum, finger snaps and 808 bass provide minimalistic instrumentation for bad guy, released on March 29, 2019. You will particularly love the cartoony synthesizer riff on this song from the When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go album.

20. Lean On – Major Lazer

Major Lazer ft. Ty Dolla $ign - Lean On (Remix)

Lean On has been released twice, and you want to get the remix featuring American singer Ty Dolla $ign to receive the most motivational power. You will love how this song makes you feel like you have an enthusiastic fan base pulling for you each step of the way.

21. Survivor – Destiny’s Child

Destiny's Child - Survivor (Official Video)

The message that you are a survivor makes Survivor the perfect running song for rimes you want to give up. The release date of April 25, 2001, coincides with Farrah Franklin leaving Destiny’s Child, and you can feel the raw emotions as you listen to this song.

Next: Best breakup songs to help you get over it

22. Paint It, Black – The Rolling Stones

If you often find yourself running to get rid of negative emotions, Paint It Black is the perfect song for you. Drummer Charlie Watts’ beats will keep you moving forward while Brian Jonses’ sitar line will keep you wanting more.

Next: The best rock songs from the 1980s

23. Dance Monkey – Tones and I

TONES AND I - DANCE MONKEY (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Dance Monkey’s catchy chorus will keep your mind focused on it instead of your tired feet or your sore knees while running. This debut song was the group’s first song released in the United States. You will also love the beat of this song, released on May 10, 2019.

24. On My Way – Tiesto

Tiësto - On My Way (Official Video) ft. Bright Sparks

Especially when you are first starting your run, On My Way featuring the incredible voice of Bright Sparks can be the perfect running anthem. The lyrics of this song are great for helping you realize that you are in a rebirth cycle and that you need to eliminate the voices of naysayers from your head.

25. Believer – Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons - Believer (Official Music Video)

The anthemic chorus and the driving drumbeats in Believer make it a great running song. Lead singer Dan Reynolds says that the message behind this song is turning pain into one of your greatest strengths instead of letting it overwhelm you.

Next: Best songs about pain, hurt, suffering and more

26. SICKO MODE – Travis Scott

Travis Scott - SICKO MODE ft. Drake

The three key changes in SICKO MODE keeps this song interesting. You will love the interjection of music from Gimme the Loot and I Wanna Rock into this song. This hard-rocking track, released on August 21, 2018, is sure to keep you moving.

27. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger – Daft Punk

Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (Official Audio)

The bouncy keyboard riff, originally part of Cola Bottle Baby by funk musician Edwin Birdsong, will keep you moving when you run to Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger. Opt for the live version released in October 2007 as opposed to the studio version released in 2001in 2

28. Work B-tCH – Britney Spears

Britney Spears - Work b*tch (lyrics video)

Just like a hot-looking trainer at a gym, Work B-tch will remind you that you have to keep working to meet your running goal. This song off Brittney’s 2013 Britney Jean release has a great EDM sheen that will keep you moving forward.

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29. Holiday – Little Mix

Little Mix - Holiday (Official Video)

Holiday is a song with an upbeat rhythm that will instantly help you imagine you are on a beautiful seaside run, even if you are doing miles in an indoor gym. It is perfect for including during the warmup or slow-down parts of your run.

30. The Distance – Cake

CAKE - The Distance (Official HD Video)

Listening to the deadpan opening by John McCrea in The Distance is a fantastic way to get any run started. Greg Brown’s guitar riff will help you set a great tempo for your run.

31. S&M – Rihanna

The uptempo hi-NRG-Eurodance and dance-pop song S&M will help you keep running with its imagery. Choose the original version released in 2010 on Loud as you will get more of Rihanna’s aggressive tone, which can help keep you motivated.

32. Numb/Encore – Jay Z and Linkin Park

The combination of Numb and Encore makes Numb/Encore a great running song. Regardless if you are listening to a hip-hop portion or a rock portion of this mashup released in 2004 on Collision Course, you will find the tempo great for running harder and faster.

33. If You’re Going Through Hell – Rodney Atkins

Rodney Atkins - If You're Going Through Hell (Official)

If You’re Going Through Hell is a great motivational running song, who released this song in 2006. Winston Churchill receives credit for the title quote and other lines. Atkin’s deep voice will encourage you to keep running from your devils.

34. Fastest Girl in Town – Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert - Fastest Girl In Town

Fastest Girl in Town is the perfect solution when you need a song for slower moments in your run. In particular, the two furious guitar solos in this song sung released in June 2012, will keep you running at your best.

35. Waiting Game – Banks

BANKS - Waiting Game (Official Video)

Put the Waiting Game at the end of your playlist as it is the perfect wind-down song. Gain a glimpse into the singer’s life by choosing the original version. The evocative drums in this song will keep you moving towards your goal.

36. 99 Problems – Jay Z

Jay-Z - 99 Problems (Director's Cut) (Explicit)

The beat and the hook of 99 Problems will help blocks past quickly. The singer released this song on April 27, 2004. It is particularly a powerful song for those who run to get stuff out of their head.

Next: The top songs ever made (best ever)

37. Testify – Rage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine - Testify (Official HD Video)

Tom Morello’s driving guitar feeds and Zack de la Rocha’s resistance chants will leave you ready to run when you put this motivational song near the beginning of your workout. Tom Morello’s unusual guitar-playing style will leave you wanting to hear this song many times.

Next: The best songs about fighting ever made

38. Sabotage – Beastie Boys

Beastie Boys - Sabotage

It is easy to see yourself running from trouble when you listen to the traditional rock instrumentation, turntable scratches and heavily distorted bass guitar riffs in Sabotage. The voices of The Boys, led by Ad-Rock, will encourage you to pick up the pace.

39. Living in America – James Brown

James Brown - Living in America

Living in America is the anthem that plays when Rocky enters the ring in Rocky IV. You may feel like Rocky when you run to this song.

40. Lightning Bolt – Jake Bugg

Jake Bugg - Lightning Bolt (Official Video)

This song is perfect when you need that extra push to keep running. The music reminiscent of early Beatles hits is off Jake Bugg’s self-titled debut album released in 2012.

41. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

Queen - Don't Stop Me Now (Official Video)

You will love the celebration of life on a beautiful spring day in Don’t Stop Me Now. Take advantage of the terrific added guitar parts by choosing the version remixed on the band’s Greatest Hits album.

Next: Best songs about winning, celebration and victory

42. Run Like Hell – Pink Floyd

Run Like Hell is the last song by Pink Floyd with Waters on bass, Gilmour on guitars, Nick Mason on drums, and Richard Wright on keyboards. You will become part of this song’s angry mob while listening to this 1980 release.

43. Run Run Run – Jill Scott

Run Run Run [OFFICIAL AUDIO]

You will feel like you have a personal cheerleading squad when you listen to Run Run Run because of the handclaps and yells in this song released on the American singer’s Woman album in 2015.

44. Go! – Santigold

Santigold - GO! (Feat. Karen O) (Official Audio)

This song from Master of My Make Believe will inspire you to rise to the occasion against any would-be usurpers who want to come, show and prove you are wrong. It can also be a great song to help you remember the joy of running.

45. Running – Jamie xx

Gil scott-Heron/Jamie xx - Running

The forefoot-striking beats will keep you putting in the miles when you listen to Running. Meanwhile, you will love Gil Scott-Heron’s words in this song released in 2011.

46. Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Bad Moon Rising

The laid-back vibe and the steady pace of Bad Moon Rising make it a great song for those relaxing runs when you are clearing your head.

Next: Top songs about the moon of all time

47. Mayday – The Go! Team

The Go! Team - Mayday (Official Video)

When your run does not go as planned, listen to Mayday as the morse code message in this song is very relatable. The Shangri-La melodrama style of this song released in 2018 is a great way to get your run back on track.

48. Dog Days Are Over – Florence + the Machine

Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over (2010 Version) (Official Music Video)

Find motivational inspiration in Dog Days are Over, re-released in 2010 after the original song’s release in 2008. This song is a great option to keep you motivated to meet your goals.

49. 212 – Azealia Banks

AZEALIA BANKS - 212 FT. LAZY JAY

The swear-laced threats in 212 will leave you wanting to beat something up, even if it is just the pavement under your feet. This song’s fast beat will help you move forward faster.

50. Out in the Street – Bruce Springfield

You will love Bruce Springfield’s Out in the Street, released in 1980. This song is hard to categorize because it is an upbeat pop song, but it also has intense emotional overtones.

51. Take It On The Run – REO Speedwagon

REO Speedwagon - Take It On the Run (Official Audio)

Reo Speedwagon’s Take It On The Run is the perfect sprint song because you cannot listen to it without wanting to do some fist-pumping. It is the ideal way to celebrate the freedom that running brings with it.

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