Top 27 Running Podcasts: About Running, Fitness and Health

I fell in love with listening to audiobooks while running as I trained for my second marathon solo in 2006. Over the years of training that followed, I’ve found podcasts about running are not only more accessible, but provide a different level of motivation than an audiobook.
{Checkout my top 12 audiobooks for runners}.

Recently I’ve found it all depends on my mood! A lot of days a book that takes me away is perfect, other times I need a good laugh and many day I’m looking to learn something. On the latter days, I want training tips, life hacks or motivational words from people who have been there and done that.

Over the years I’ve seen podcasts come and go. I’ve gone through many that just weren’t that great and finally settled on some that are always in my weekly rotation.

There are almost a million podcasts currently available, so I understand how just going through them can be overwhelming. If you’re having trouble narrowing down your options for quality running podcasts, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve compiled a list of some of the best running podcasts available, whether you’re seeking for running tips, inspiration, a peek into the life of professional runners, or just wanting a good laugh.

So here are 25 podcasts for runners with a little something for every taste and hopefully not all one’s you’ve seen elsewhere.

27 Best Running Podcasts

Some of these podcasts about running, others are fitness related, and some just cover all the basic life topics. Either way, these podcast to listen to while running are all guaranteed to get you motivated in one way or another to power through and keep running!

My tastes continue to change and evolve, so this list has been revamped 5 or 6 times now!

I’ve realized that sometimes I’m in the mood for business, sometimes fitness and sometimes a little more lighthearted.

1. Tread Lightly Podcast – Coaches Sharing Tips and Science

If you’re looking to learn to run smarter, and not harder then the Tread Lightly Podcast is the one for you! Hosted by yours truly, Amanda Brooks along with Laura Norris from Laura Norris Running, we aim to bring our combined 20 years of coaching experience to break down common myths, training tips, and more!

Laura recently wrapped up her Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science, on top of 7+ years of coaching experience, while I’ve been using my journalism degree to create running content for millions of readers over the past decade.

By drawing on our personal experiences and expertise as coaches, we provide listeners with practical advice on everything from how to avoid common injuries, to running supplements, training methods, and more.

With a casual conversational style podcast, you’ll feel like you’re listening to your two running besties while they share tons of knowledge, information, and past experiences to help you become a better runner by training smarter.

2. The Rich Roll Podcast – Big Stories of Triumph and Heartbreak

I stumbled upon Rich one day after hearing him as a guest on another show and at first wasn’t sure about his podcast.

They’re much longer than the norm and he tends to get off on random topics…yet he’s just a super interesting person, who manages to create really great story telling podcasts from his guests.

While Rich is plant-based and prefers long steady runs to say CrossFit, Rich is OPEN to ideas and brings on people from a variety of backgrounds to share knowledge. You’ll really hear about the hardships people have tackled, it’s inspiring.

I personally love any episode on the mental side of training, but there have been many others on endurance training, Vegan, CrossFit and business that also kept me entertained for my long run.

Checkout: July 15, 2018 – John McAvoy From Armed Robbery to Professional Athlete

3. For the Long Run – Lots of Elite Athletes

Podcaster Jonathan Levitt is one of the most extroverted people I’ve ever met. He’s also a connector. He loves putting people in touch and is a stellar runner in his own right. All of this is why he has some incredible interviews with top athletes in running.

He does a great job of getting in to both the training we’re curious about and their lives, their mindset and more. In more recent episodes, he’s also tackled a lot of  mindset talk and even topics in culture.

Checkout: Any episode with David Roche. There’s also one with a well known Amanda Brooks ;)

4. Hit Play Not Pause – Fit Women Over 50

As someone who went through hormonal struggles very early, I am THRILLED that there is a now a podcast focused on peri and post menopausal athletes. They do a great job of digging in to the science and bring in information from Dr Stacy Simms.

There is a lot of sharing stories from athletes, which will give you not just ideas, but hope.

Checkout: Episode 59 Staying on Top Of Symptoms

5. Running Explained Podcast – Coach Interviewing Experts

Coach Elisabeth Scott interviews experts in all different areas of training. You’ll get more tips on fueling, physical therapy, training paces and even treadmill running (hey that’s  me!).

Many of you may have met Elisabeth through her popular Instagram account. She’s taken that to the long form of Podcasting to provide more information.

Checkout: S2/E31 Your Knees and Running with Dr. Lauren LaPierre

6. Ali On The Run – Personable Conversations

In this podcast, journalist and runner Ali Feller chats with runners of all abilities and those with careers in the running industry. Feller is approachable, and her casual interview style helps her guests feel at ease and discuss a variety of topics.

The engaging and thought-provoking interviews she does are the outcome of her stated purpose of learning about the decisions people make and the part running has played in making those decisions.

Checkout: Episode 617 – Cory McGee Rabbitting

Stop the Music. Get jazzed for a run with these 25 podcasts #runchat #motivation Click To Tweet

7. Ben Greenfield Fitness – Biohacking, Cutting Edge Tools

If biohacks and off the wall ways to improve your life are the kind of thing that get you going, then this is the show for you. It’s another where I don’t listen to every episode, but instead pull those of the most interest me (which is fine because he puts out a ton).

Just know that he loves to go off on to really weird topics sometimes…I dig that. Ha! You never know what things will work.

Like last week I listened to an older interview on body alignment for injury prevention and it was a great reminder not only while I was running, but afterwards to do some things differently.

Checkout: May 29, 2019 – The Search for The Perfect Protein

8. Endurance Planet – Smart Training Tips

I have literally just found this podcast, so I don’t have tons to tell you yet. BUT if you’re an endurance runner looking to improve how your body performs by taking care of it through nutrition this is the place to be.

Tawnee talks with some of the top minds like Dr Phil Maffetone and Dr Tim Noakes. Also great for those of you in triathlon as there is more talk of that here.

Checkout: ATC 292: Is Your Stride Rate Helping or Hurting Your Run Economy?

9. No Meat Athlete – Plant Based Training

A great option for those attempting to go Vegan and those just wanting to find out how cleaning up your food could improve your running. It’s also great for those looking to push the boundaries and go for an Ultra.

I admit this is one I don’t listen to very frequently, but tend to pull out topics of interest when I see them pop up. It’s a conversational podcasts that’s more relaxed and less educational focused like Ben Greenfield.

Checkout: Why it Took Matt 7 Year to Qualify for Boston and How You Can Do It Quicker

10. The Morning Shakeout – Interviews with High Profile Athletes

I haven’t listened to a ton of these, but one’s that caught my attention to start listening were fabulous.

First there was the multiple chats with Desi, then a talk with Bart Yasso that made me smile for the duration of my run! Hosted by Mario Fraoli a high caliber running coach and writer, they’re usually great insightful conversations.

Checkout: Episode 40 – Desi Linden post Boston win!
She obviously did a lot of shows, but I really enjoyed this one.

11. Trail Runner Nation– Trail Running

Here’s a podcast with a focus on real people doing pretty amazing things. This trail runner podcast is obviously going to offer a lot more for you trail runners with tips that are specific to nutrition, footing, ultra events and more.

Hosts Don Freeman and Scott Warr cover a ton of different topics related to trail running and even focus on issues such as mental focus and pacing strategies that will definitely appeal to all types of runners.

The hosts and their guests are clearly very knowledgeable, but they present information in a fun way and seem to genuinely want to help other people enjoy running.

Checkout: August 9 – Can Failure Make Us More Successful?

12. Diz Runs – Everyday Runners and Olympian Interviews

Interviews with runners of all different abilities who have something to offer each of us. You might learn from say little ol’ me or an elite runner different tips for cracking the two hour half, hitting your Boston stride or fueling right.

Checkout: Episode 764: Ila Allen Isn’t Using Age As an Excuse to Not Achieve her Goals

13. Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth – Strength Focused

This will not be a podcast for everyone and at first I wasn’t sure it was one for me. In fact, I admit to fast forwarding through a lot of the beginning because I want the meat of the show and not all the chit chat.

BUT especially for runners who may not want to spend time in the gym I think they’re going to really help you embrace the value.

Checkout: Episode 1077 – The 7 Deadly Fitness Lies Sold to Women

14. On Coaching with Magness and Marcus

Those who are really in to the deep dive of coaching, techniques, all the science and whys will enjoy this podcast. A few fellow running coaches have told me this is the one that they never miss.

Even as an athlete I think there is a lot to learn here. It’s going to help you better understand your training plan and put all the pieces together.

Checkout: Episode 155: Getting the Most out of People. How to inspire, encourage and sustain excellence.

15. The Growth Equation

This s a newer podcast and I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to dive in to more episodes. I think so many of us have realized that we’re training our bodies, but our minds need time.

This is another podcast with Steve Magness, but this time with co-host Brad Stulberg. Many folks really enjoyed their book, Peak Performance, and that’s the launching point for this show.

Checkout: When to Thrive vs Simply Survive

BONUS: Here are 20 podcasts where I’ve been a guest!

16. Run to the Top Podcast – Like Blog Posts in Audio Form

Runners of all skill levels can benefit from listening to Run to the Top, a podcast created to inspire and guide all types of runners.

Each week, Coach Claire Bartholic interviews athletes, coaches, scientists, psychologists, nutritionists, and even regular runners. They discuss different topics such as mental preparation, preventing injury, breaking through plateaus, and much more.

Regardless of what you want to know about running, this podcast will most likely have an episode about it.

Checkout: Fascinating Training Lessons from Ethiopian Marathon Runners

17. The Running for Real with Tina Muir – Former Elite Athlete Host

Host Tina Muir has been an elite marathoner herself, giving her a unique insight to the questions to ask her high caliber guests like Meb Keflezighi. Other guests she has on her podcast include runners, coaches, scientists, and even medical providers.

She’s also focused on ensuring each guest is providing value to you and take-aways that will help you improve your own running.

Checkout: August 2019 – Lauren Fleshman: You Can Feel Satisfied and Still Get Better

18. Marathon Training Academy

As the name suggests, this popular podcast is oriented toward runners preparing for marathons and is hosted by running coach Angie Spencer and her husband Trevor.

Episodes are informative but not too serious, and they are packed with knowledge and advice and sometimes even feature high-profile guests!

While some of the content is tailored specifically to marathoners, much of it is applicable to runners of all distances and includes tips on training, nutrition, and injury prevention.

Checkout: February 2023, You’re Capable of So Much More Than You Think You Are

19. Koopcast – Ultraunning Science

This running podcast is hosted by ultramarathon coach Jason Koop and concentrates on trail and ultrarunning, with a focus on the science behind various running topics.

Koop covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of cannabis on performance and training, from mental skills to strength training, breathing exercises to even polarized training.

Koop is quite informed about a variety of subjects, and he frequently invites guests who are authorities in their fields, yet he always manages to keep the conversations straightforward and interesting.

Additional Podcasts for Entertainment on the Run

Sometimes we just don’t want to listen to running. We need to have some fun, things that make the time fly.

20. Arm Chair Expert

OMG, friends kept telling me about this one, but I had put it on the back burner. However, once I started listening to Dax Shepard I was sucked in and found many runs going all too quickly.

I can’t tell you that you’re going to leave these a better human, but you are going to laugh and find yourself sucked in to what’s happening.

21. Conan Needs a Friend

Honestly, laughing at mile 16 of a long run might be the best thing ever. It keeps me upbeat when the weather may not. I never really watched his late night show, but I adore these conversations.

In fact, I did a whole round up of best funny podcasts because I started to find they were so nice to mix in.

Episodic Podcasts

Ok so after much prodding by my friends, I started to listen to things that were more story based and not just running focused. It turns out those really made the time fly as well!!

A few that I really loved:

22. Dr Death

23. The Drop Out

24. The Shrink Next Door

25. Life is Short with Justin Long (random interviews that are often funny)

26. The Thing About Pam

27.  Can I Tell You A Secret?

And no I didn’t list the Runner’s World Podcast, not because there is anything wrong with it, but because you likely already tried that running podcast!

Hopefully, I’m giving you some other ideas!

And no I didn’t mention the Another Mother Runner podcast, again not because it’s not good. I really enjoyed it for a time, but as noted I cycle through things and lately it just hasn’t worked for me. I wasn’t getting motivated listening to their daily back and forth.

What running podcasts do you listen to?

Do you like them to be fitness related or not?

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