There’s nothing quite like the feeling when you hit your stride on a run. You know the one: you’ve found your sweet spot – you feel like you’re flying along effortlessly, the endorphins are flowing and you can’t help but smile through the miles. Yes – it might be elusive, but when it happens – damn, it feels great.

And a banging playlist helps us achieve this state of running bliss – music has been scientifically proven to boost performance, lowering perceived exertion, increasing concentration and encouraging feelings of positivity.

So, with marathon season in full swing, Spotify has pulled together a list of the 10 most popular marathon tracks, all guaranteed to put a spring in your step, whether that’s over 26.2 miles or simply jogging around your local park.

Tune in, lace up and enjoy. 

Top 10 songs on marathon playlists 

Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor

There’s no denying this is a classic tune, and loved by so many people we spoke to. “I was brought up watching the Rocky movies. This song always gives me courage and resilience,” says children’s entertainer Amanda Frolich.

“The strong pulse and repetitive nature of this anthem makes it perfect for running,” explains musician and music teacher Lauren Elliott. “You can literally feel the pulse running through your veins as your feet hit the ground. The tempo is slightly above moderate – fast enough to drive you forwards, but not too fast as to feel that you can’t keep up.”

Flowers by Miley Cyrus

“You feel in control and empowered by your abilities when running to this track,” says Elliott. “The simple chord progressions and recurring, memorable refrain allow us to absorb the music, entering into a state of repetitive pattern, without complexities of rhythm or melody interrupting our flow. In other words, we can get into the groove!”

Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen

This track is literally willing you to keep going. The positive lyrics (“we’re havin’ a good time”) never fail to lift the spirits, and its high-octane tempo can help boost flagging energy levels mid-run.

I’m Still Standing by Elton John

“This track is always on my running playlist,” says nutritional therapist Anthea McCourtie. “I love running to something that brings up my emotions, be they angry or happy. Mentally these tracks lift me up to push myself further and keep going. I save songs I love to listen to just when running so it gives me something else to look forward to outside of the exercise endorphins.”

Mr Brightside by The Killers

This absolute tune has spent a whopping five years in the UK Top 100 – and with good reason. A staple of weddings and student parties, we’ve all got a memory of belting out the lyrics – and tapping into a positive memory can help to distract us when we’re running. Before you know it, another mile will have passed.

Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey

This track has the perfect tempo to match your running stride, whether you’re a 10-minute or seven-minute miler (nope, not us either). Songs with an average tempo of 120 to 130 beats per minute (BPM) are ideal for fast and powerful running, and if you can match your stride to the music, that’s when everything feels in sync and you can find your flow.

I’m Good (Blue) by David Guetta & Bebe Rexha

This euphoric club anthem makes us want to step things up a gear – just the opening few bars send our heart rates soaring and we defy you not to move to the strong and steady beat. “I’m good, yeah I’m feelin’ alright,” is a great running mantra if ever we heard one. 

About Damn Time by Lizzo

“Turn up the music, let’s celebrate / I got a feelin’ I’m gon’ be OK / OK, alright / It’s about damn time.” Name a more motivational lyric: we’ll wait.

Shake It Off by Taylor Swift

We have it on good authority that this track is the perfect tempo to run a 10-minute mile, which is a popular goal for many runners. Try listening to this while warming up for your run – and if you can shake off any excess adrenaline and nerves, so much the better.

Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen

“Baby, we were born to run,” need we say more? 

Images: Getty