Sometimes the last thing you want to do when you run is listen to someone talk. But at other times, a fun and engaging podcast for runners might be exactly what you need for that extra boost of motivation.
We have put our heads together to try and find you the most exciting running podcasts for your different workouts and for you to enjoy in your own time.
The top 15 best running podcasts to keep you company on your runs
Below, you'll find our selection of our favorite podcasts for all things running. Some of them are longer, some are shorter, some are serious, some are fun to listen to; in short, there's something for everyone in our list.
1. The Runna Podcast
We've just launched our very own podcast, the Runna Podcast. In it, our hosts, Coach Ben Perker (Head Coach and co-founder of Runna) and Anya Culling (elite marathon runner), will take a deep dive into the world of running once per week, as they sit down with passionate individuals from all walks of life who share a common love for running.
Expect a blend of inspirational interviews, hilarious tales of running mishaps, and invaluable coaching tips from Olympian and Coach, Steph Davis.
Best for: Inspirational interviews and fun and embarrassing running stories
Hosts: Ben Parker (Head Coach and co-founder of Runna), Anya Culling (elite marathon runner)
Average episode duration: 40 minutes
2. The Running Channel
Join Sarah Hartley, an amateur runner, Andy Baddeley, a former pro runner, and Rick Kelsey, a recovering runner, on The Running Channel Podcast as they tackle important running topics, such as cross training, runners' protein needs, how to stay motivated, and plenty more.
TRC's hosts offer helpful tips and discuss the latest running news in a friendly and approachable style, making this podcast a great accompaniment for your runs.
Best for: Top running tips
Hosts: Sarah Hartley (amateur runner) and Andy Baddeley (former pro runner) alongside Rick Kelsey (recovering runner)
Average episode duration: 40 minutes
3. The Runner's World UK Podcast
This is your weekly dose of all things running, there to inform and entertain you with unique interviews, advice, and news. New episodes come out each Tuesday and are a nice way to learn a little more about running in a friendly manor.
It delves into tons of interesting topics, such as how to master the mind games of a marathon, how to tackle persistent injuries, and even harassment on the run.
Best for: Short, sharp lunchtime runs
Hosts: Rick Pearson, Ben Hobson, and Jane McGuire
Average episode duration: 30 minutes
4. Run To The Top Podcast
If you want the ultimate guide to running, this podcast is for you. This podcast is there to help motivate runners of every speed, level and age run their best. If you tune in, you'll hear from everyone in the industry from nutritionists, scientists, psychologists to your everyday runners with inspiring stories.
Best for: Unlocking your running potential
Hosts: Finn Melanson, Stephanie Atwood, Claire Bartholic, and others
Average episode duration: 40 minutes to an hour (+ some shorter episodes)
5. Marathon Training Academy
This podcast will help you conquer the full marathon distance and prepare for your first (or next!) race.
Since 2010, hosts Angie and Trevor have been discussing marathon training tips, running stories, marathon reviews of races around the world, and interviews with expert runners and coaches.
Best for: Marathon training
Hosts: Angie Spencer (running coach) and Trevor Spencer (co-host and her husband)
Average episode duration: 40 minutes to an hour
6. Another Mother Runner
This podcast had been built to help bring you sanity when trying to juggle a family, a job, and a running routine. This podcast is informative, relatable, and inclusive, featuring episodes on topics ranging from training to nutrition and from motivation to TMI issues, helping you reach a goal or simply find your happy place with running as a mom.
Best for: Moms who run, or anyone else interested in how to reconcile parenthood and running
Hosts: Sarah Bowen Shea, a mom of three and veteran of 14 marathons
Average episode duration: 50 minutes
7. The Rich Roll Podcast
Rich Roll is a plant-powered ultra-athlete and all-round inspirational figure. In his podcasts he connects with some amazing guests to take a deeper look into all sorts of wellness topics to educate and inspire you on your runs.
Best for: Long runs
Host: Rich Roll, a plant-powered ultra athlete
Average episode duration: 2+ hours
8. RunPod
This is a weekly run club that you can join simply by tuning in.
In it, Jenni Falconer talks to special guests who share her passion for running. They chat about all things running, from why some people get the 'bug' and why others don't. This informative, funny, and friendly podcast is there for you, no matter what step of your running journey you are on.
Best for: A feel good run and a little company
Host: Jenni Falconer
Average episode duration: 30-50 minutes
9. The Long Run
The Long Run podcast is everything you didn't know you needed. Whether you are training for your first marathon or you are thinking about doing a couch to 5k or a new-to-running plan, everyone is welcome!
This podcast is a light-hearted look at what Everyday Runners are going through whilst the host and his guests also try and become better runners.
Best for: It might give it away in the name but the long rung
Host: Fordy Run, running enthusiast and motivational influencer
Average episode duration: 30 minutes to an hour
10. The Real Science of Sport Podcast
Whilst this podcast is not all about running, it is incredibly gripping and always leaves you wanting more.
Sports scientist Professor Ross Tucker and veteran sports journalist Mike Finch dive into the most talked about taboo topics in sport to help you learn more about the way your body adapts and reacts to exercise.
Best for: Unlocking your inner sport science geek
Hosts: Professor Ross Tucker and veteran sports journalist Mike Finch
Average episode duration: 1.5+ hours
11. The High Performance Podcast
This podcast brings you an intimate glimpse into the lives of high-achieving, world-class performers who have all excelled in their field, with their first-hand experiences. The hosts Jake Humphrey (broadcast presenter of 20 years) and Professor Damian Hughes (leading high performance expert) talk to athletes, authors, entertainers, and experts about the things that enabled their success.
This podcast is set to leave your heart racing and motivate you to get out to run to be the best version of yourself you can be.
Best for: Motivation
Hosts: Jake Humphrey, broadcast presenter of 20 years, and Professor Damian Hughes, high performance expert
Average episode duration: 1 hour
12. Running Commentary
Join comedians and runners Paul Tonkinson and Rob Deering on their podcast recorded while running, where their witty banter and humor will make you feel like you're running right alongside them.
With a blend of entertaining conversations covering various topics, you'll find yourself eagerly looking forward to run with them.
Best for: Having the perfect running companion
Hosts: Paul Tonkinson and Rob Deering, comedians and runners
Average episode duration: 50 minutes to 1.5 hours
13. Koopcast
Join ultramarathon coach Jason Koop as he hosts a running podcast that delves into the science behind trail and ultrarunning.
With expert guests and insightful discussions on mental skills, strength training, breathing techniques, polarized training, and more, you'll come away feeling well-informed and engaged in the world of long-distance running.
Best for: The ultimate running coach podcast
Host: Jason Koop, ultramarathon coach
Average episode duration: 1+ hour
14. Limitless
This is a podcast of our very own Joshua Patterson, who's an athlete, influencer and mental health campaigner.
Josh interviewed individuals who have pushed through mental and physical barriers and defied the odds. If you want to hear the details of the ordinary doing extraordinary things, be sure to check this out. Some even say a new season is pending.
Best for: Setting goals
Host: Josh Patterson, athlete, influencer and mental health campaigner
Average episode duration: 30 minutes
15. Ali on the Run
Every week, race announcer Ali Feller talks with inspiring and successful people who all share a passion for running.
The podcast is not just about running. Ali's conversations with her guests aim to dig deeper into the decisions they have made to get where they are today and the role running has played in their lives.
Best for: Real and fun talks about running
Host: Ali Feller, race announcer and freelance writer
Average episode duration: 1 hour
Tune in to your favorite running podcast and smash these goals
With this selection of our favorite 15 running podcasts, you have plenty of choice. Dive into the nitty-gritty details of the science of performance with The Real Science of Sport or The High Performance Podcast, prepare for a marathon with the Marathon Training Academy...