Ever feel like your run is starting to become a bit boring? You've perfected your playlist, but something's still missing. Have you thought about boosting your knowledge with podcasts? These shows can be game-changers, adding motivation and entertainment while running.
Choosing the best running podcast can be overwhelming with so many options available. Don't worry — we've curated the ultimate list for you! Whether you want expert running tips, inspiring stories, or just some fun to keep you going, this list of the 15 best running podcasts has it all.
According to research by the Nielsen Company, podcast listeners report higher levels of engagement and retention compared to other forms of media, making them an excellent companion for your runs.
If audio learning is your go-to, Headway is the perfect match for you. With concise audio summaries of top nonfiction titles, our app caters to listeners who appreciate a smart learning experience. Join 50 million users who embrace learning on the move, with recommendations, audio-first features, and a user-friendly design.
Keep reading to find out the best shows (available on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts) to accompany your physical activities!
Top five running podcasts: Quick list
Here's a sneak peek at the shows runners love! Keep reading to discover the full list below.
'The Running Explained Podcast'
'Run to the Top Podcast'
'She Decided to Run Her Way'
'The Running Public'
'The Ultra Running Guys'
The 15 best running podcasts to listen to in 2025
Whether you're an experienced marathoner or just starting out, there's a podcast for every runner. Running podcasts offers valuable tips and motivation to help you reach your goals. Here are 15 of the best running podcasts to check out in 2025:
1. 'The Running Explained Podcast'
Do you have questions about running? Want answers while you're on your run? 'The Running Explained Podcast' has the answers for you. Hosted by marathon runner and coach Elisabeth Scott, the show addresses common concerns among runners of all levels. Topics include muscle cramps, knee injuries, running shoes, and more.
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 30-45 minutes
Genre tags: Running, Fitness, Training
Best for: Runners of all levels, those seeking practical running advice
2. 'Run to the Top Podcast'
Do you have questions about running? Do you want these answered while you're on your run? The Running Explained Podcast has the answers for you. Marathon runner and coach Elisabeth Scott hosts this weekly running podcast. Scott speaks to common concerns and confusion amongst runners at all different levels.
Some topics include:
What should I do about bad muscle cramps?
What should I know about running and knee injuries?
Is there a difference between running shoes and sneakers?
How do I buy a sports bra that fits?
The Running Explained Podcast gives listeners insights into nutrition, pacing, health benefits, training, racing, and more. This top-running podcast is great for anyone looking to learn more about running.
2. Run to the Top Podcast
'Run to the Top Podcast' motivates runners of all levels to perform at their best. Hosted by coach Claire Bartholic, it features interviews with psychologists, athletes, nutritionists, coaches, and scientists. Topics cover mental preparation, injury prevention, strength running, and more.
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 45-60 minutes
Genre tags: Running, Motivation, Fitness
Best for: Runners who seek motivation and advice
3. 'She Decided to Run Her Way'
If you have ever battled self-doubt when getting ready for a run, 'She Decided to Run Her Way' is the podcast for you! Hosted by personal trainer and certified running coach Pamela Otero, the podcast offers training tips and mental exercises for female runners. It can assist female runners with their mental hurdles and help them reach their goals!
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 30-45 minutes
Genre tags: Running, Mindset, Female Empowerment
Best for: Female runners seeking mindset and training advice
4. 'The Running Public'
'The Running Public' is your run-of-the-mill podcast hosted by endurance athletes and running coaches, Kirk Dewindt and Brakken Kraker, provides useful training tips, motivation strategies, and answers to questions submitted by listeners. This podcasts is for runners who want to take accountability to the next level and improve their training.
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 40-60 minutes
Genre tags: Running, Endurance, Fitness
Best for: Runners looking for training tips and motivation
5. 'The Ultra Running Guys'
For ultrarunners and extreme sports enthusiasts, 'The Ultra Running Guys' is a great fit. There, hosts and guests share inspiring stories from the ultramarathon community. Jeff Winchester and Jeremy Reynolds discuss incredible feats, like surviving shootings or running across the Appalachian Trail. How could it not motivate you to push your limits?
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 45-60 minutes
Genre tags: Ultra Running, Sports, Motivation
Best for: Ultramarathon runners and extreme sports fans
6. 'Marathon Training for Beginners'
'Marathon Training for Beginners' is just what first-time marathoners need! Mo and Harrison Crum host the 'Marathon Training for Beginners' podcast, where they share their journey from new runners to marathon finishers. The Crums share practical running tips and funny moments that help motivate and inform.
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 30-45 minutes
Genre tags: Marathon Training, Fitness, Beginners
Best for: First-time marathoners looking for advice and encouragement
7. 'The Morning Shakeout Podcast'
For long-form, motivational running content, 'The Morning Shakeout Podcast' hosted by Mario Fraioli is a great choice. The show offers interviews with top athletes — from ultramarathoners to Olympians. This podcast provides the perfect soundtrack for a long run, with episodes lasting over an hour.
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 60-90 minutes
Genre tags: Running, Athlete Interviews, Motivation
Best for: Runners seeking motivation from elite athletes
8. 'Trail Runner Nation'
'Trail Runner Nation' brings a running group to you, featuring hosts Don Freeman and Scott Warr. With weekly episodes on pacing, mental toughness, and nutrition, this podcast is excellent. A great resource for trail runners seeking inspiration and expert advice!
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 45-60 minutes
Genre tags: Trail Running, Nutrition, Fitness
Best for: Trail runners and endurance athletes
9. 'Pursuing Health'
'Pursuing Health' is a unique podcast in which medical student-turned-CrossFit enthusiast Julie Foucher interviews health professionals about the link between fitness and medicine. Topics include training during pregnancy, nutrition myths, and more.
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 30-45 minutes
Genre tags: Fitness, Health, CrossFit
Best for: Those looking to improve health through fitness and education
10. 'More Than Running'
Hosted by professional runner Dana Giordano, 'More Than Running' focuses on inspirational female athletes. The show discusses women's success stories — everything from coaching to activism. It's a must-listen if you're interested in learning about female empowerment in the sports industry.
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 45-60 minutes
Genre tags: Running, Female Athletes, Empowerment
Best for: Inspirational female runners and sports activists
11. 'Feel Better, Live More'
'Feel Better, Live More' is a health and wellness podcast hosted by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee. His podcast brings together expert information about fitness, nutrition, sleep, and stress management. This show is designed for anyone who wants to feel better, physically and mentally, and improve their running performance.
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 40-60 minutes
Genre tags: Health, Wellness, Fitness
Best for: Those looking to optimize their overall health and performance
12. 'Mo-Joe: An 18-Week Marathon Training Diary'
George Lamb is a couch potato-turned-marathon runner, thanks to Joe Wicks and Sir Mo Farah, in his podcast, 'Mo-Joe: An 18-Week Marathon Training Diary.' This podcast will follow his experiences, what he learned, his training tips, motivation, and share personal stories for beginner marathoners.
Quick Info:
Average episode Length: 30-45 minutes
Genre tags: Marathon Training, Personal Stories, Fitness
Best for: New runners or those interested in a personal marathon journey
13. 'TED Talks/TED Health'
'TED Talks/TED Health' offers short, thought-provoking talks on health and fitness from the world's leading thinkers. With topics ranging from fitness innovations to disease prevention, these talks are perfect for a quick and educational listen while on your run.
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 18 minutes
Genre tags: Health, Fitness, Ideas
Best for: Those looking for stimulating and educational podcasts
14. 'Ten Percent Happier'
'Ten Percent Happier' is a mindfulness podcast by Dan Harris. The show features guests like the Dalai Lama and Brené Brown. So, you can explore topics such as meditation, anxiety, and happiness when listening. This is an ideal choice for runners seeking mental clarity and emotional balance.
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 30-45 minutes
Genre tags: Mindfulness, Meditation, Mental Health
Best for: Runners looking for a calming, inspiring podcast
15. 'Running Rogue Podcast'
The 'Running Rogue Podcast' is an informative resource for runners wishing to enhance their form and strategy. Hosted by Chris McClung, it provides a weekly glimpse into different topics related to increasing performance in the marathon, race day planning, mental training, etc.
Quick Info:
Average episode length: 30-45 minutes
Genre tags: Running, Training, Performance
Best for: Runners seeking technical and practical advice for improvement
Honorable mentions: Running podcasts on professional sports and the Olympics
If you want to grow your podcast library even more, there are some honorable mentions that give you other unique voices, perspectives on:
The realm of running
Endurance sports
The running community
These other podcasts cover different views and take creative angles from both elite runners and advice for everyday runners who are trying to achieve new goals. Let's take a look at a few more gems:
'I'll Have Another with Lindsey Hein'
"I'll Have Another" is a great listen for any passionate runners who enjoy hearing from other passionate runners. Each episode features interviews with Olympians, elite runners, and the occasional entrepreneur in the sport of running. Hein and her co-host's combined relaxed nature makes each podcast feel like a conversation with some of the best in the business.
'The Strength Running Podcast'
For those focused on injury prevention and achieving personal bests, this is a show for you! 'The Strength Running Podcast' by Jason Fitzgerald covers everything — from running techniques to mental toughness. It's an essential podcast for seasoned athletes and everyday runners aiming to improve.
'Rich Roll Podcast'
If you are an experienced triathlete or endurance athlete at best, then 'Rich Roll Podcast' must be making its way into the regular rotation. Rich Roll went from an ex-elite swimmer to an ultra-endurance athlete. He digs deep into fitness, nutrition, and personal growth. The conversations with guests often intersect in the area of health and performance.
'Des Linden's Running Commentary'
Olympic marathoner Des Linden's Running Commentary podcast gives listeners a peek into the highs and lows of professional running. Co-hosted by her, it's an intimate space where Des shares insights from track and field, triathlon experiences, and her personal journey in the sport.
'The Runner's World Show''
The Runner's World Show' is a full-service podcast for serious runners, whether chasing a future Boston marathon qualification or trying to run as fast as their best ever. It includes expert advice, stories of other runners, and thought-provoking ideas. However, it provides the perfect balance of inspiration and education.
'Everyday Runners Podcast'
The 'Everyday Runners Podcast' offers relatable discussions on the challenges and triumphs of running (for fitness rather than competition). Angie, the host, connects with runners of all levels and share tips for motivation, handling setbacks, while celebrating progress.
'Track and Field Talk'
For the fans of running events, 'Track and Field Talk' offers deep dives into professional running. It's a great resource for following elite runners' performances and staying updated on the latest results from the world of track and field.
'Triathlon Podcast'
If you want to take your endurance sports to the next level, 'Triathlon Podcast' covers everything you need to know about training, gear, and race strategies for triathlons. Perfect for runners looking to expand their athletic pursuits into the triathlon world.
Best running podcasts offer fantastic insights, whether you are seeking a motivational boost, professional tips, or the latest news on running. The following running podcasts feature a range of topics for first-time runners and experienced marathoners alike.
You can listen to these amazing shows on Spotify or Apple, and stay informed and motivated as you reach the finish line.
If you like running podcasts, you'll love the Headway app!
Unlike music, running to podcasts offers a complete escape. When listening to a podcast, you'll often find that you've completed your run before you know it! Finding the right listen for your workout can be time-consuming and difficult. That's where the Headway app comes in.
If you are torn about what you want to listen to, browse the Headway library. We offer thousands of audio summaries of the world's bestselling non-fiction books. If you wish to listen to a book about nutrition, health, mindfulness, athletics, and so much more, Headway has something for you.
Download the Headway app today to gain unlimited access to life-changing running audiobooks from the world's best minds.
Frequently asked questions about the best running podcasts
What are the best running playlists on Spotify?
Spotify has some fantastic running playlists! A few examples of good ones are "Run Wild" for a high-energy beat, "Cardio" for fast songs, and "Power Workout" for motivation. Each of them is a mix of faster, upbeat songs that can keep you moving and energized on your run. These work wonderfully for all paces/intensities.
Is it good to listen to podcasts when running?
Absolutely! Listening to podcasts while also going for a run is a great way to stay entertained and feel like your run has gone by faster. Whether you enjoy motivational speeches, expert advice on running, or a person's journey, you can have both entertainment and education together. Doing so makes your workout feel a lot more enjoyable and productive.
What should you listen to while you run?
When you run, you can choose to listen to a mix of podcasts, audiobooks, and music. Podcasts are great because they are motivational. Some cover everything from tips to inspiring stories. Music is helpful, especially when it's fast-paced. Audiobooks are nice, as they give you an escape for longer durations.
Do real runners listen to music?
Many runners enjoy music, but it's not for everyone. Some prefer podcasts or audiobooks for entertainment. Others try to avoid distractions during their runs. Fast-paced music can help with rhythm on tempo runs. But ultimately, it depends on your goals and what you aim to achieve.
What other running podcasts can you explore if you've already listened to these?
If you've already listened to these podcasts, you can explore others like:
'Ali on the Run' by Ali Feller
'Running for Real' with Tina Muir
'Marathon Training Academy' with Trevor Spencer
'Strength Running Podcast' by Jason Fitzgerald
'CITIUS MAG' with Chris Chavez
These podcasts are perfect for tips to keep you motivated and informed!