A new study has revealed the top songs that should be included on runners’ playlists based on the top picks for jogging and running – and Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill is the number one choice.
The research, conducted by casino sweepstake comparison site Casinos Sweeps, used Spotify’s Playlist Miner tool to determine the top tunes included in 1,400 ‘jogging’ and ‘running’ related playlists to determine the ones that are favoured as motivators.
New runners will no doubt be starting to craft their perfect playlists, and it’s important they select the right music to keep their spirits up and help them achieve their goals.
Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill skyrocketed in popularity following its feature in Stranger Things, and it turns out many realized it was the perfect song to motivate them on a jog or run. Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill appeared on over a tenth (14%) of all the playlists scanned, found in 196 of the 1,400 included in the study.
According to a study in the International Review of Sport and Exercise, energy efficiency and work output can be improved during endurance exercise with the use of self-selected, motivational and stimulative music.
This suggests that playing one of your favourite songs as you increase your heart rate can help you improve your performance with less effort.
I’m Good (Blue) by David Guetta ranks second as the next-best choice for keeping energy levels high. Its upbeat rhythm is no doubt to thank for the song’s 136 (9.7%) placements in jogging and running-related playlists.
In third with 124 mentions (8.9%) is The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights, with the fast beat ideal for encouraging a pickup in pace if you start to feel yourself giving up.
Prada by Cassö claims the fourth spot, featured 91 times (6.5%) – most likely for a similar reason as the other tracks on the list, as the electronic song is bound to keep you from slowing down.
It seems Miley Cyrus’ Flowers not only inspires female empowerment but also motivates people to not give up, with the song appearing 84 times (6%) across the playlists.
Top 10 songs to add to playlist for Runners
| Rank | Artists | Song | Number of Playlist Appearances | Proportion of Playlist Appearances |
| 1. | Kate Bush | Running Up That Hill | 196 | 14% |
| 2. | David Guetta, Bebe Rexha | I’m Good (Blue) | 136 | 9.7% |
| 3. | The Weeknd | Blinding Lights | 124 | 8.9% |
| 4. | Cassö, RAYE, D-Block Europe | Prada | 91 | 6.5% |
| 5. | Miley Cyrus | Flowers | 84 | 6% |
| 6. | Taylor Swift | Cruel Summer | 83 | 5.9% |
| 7. (=) | Tiësto, Ava Max | The Motto | 82 | 5.9% |
| 7. (=) | Joel Corry, MNEK | Head & Heart | 82 | 5.9% |
| 8. | Tiësto | The Business | 81 | 5.8% |
| 9. | Pitbull, Kesha | Timber | 80 | 5.7% |
| 10. | Imanbek, BYOR | Belly Dancer | 78 | 5.6% |
Following closely behind at 83 mentions (5.9%) is Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift, with the catchy lyrics making it a great option to pick up your mood when the marathon is starting to get tough.
Tiësto and Joel Corry share the title of ranking seventh, with their songs each appearing 82 times (5.9%).
The Motto by Tiësto and Head & Heart by Joel Corry both add some more recent music to the mix.
Tiësto has a second song to earn a place in the top songs to listen to when running, with The Business featured 81 times (5.8%).
At 80 mentions (5.7%), Pitbull’s Timber is the ninth favoured pick to act as an incentive to keep on moving forward.
The final spot in the top 10 is claimed by yet another song with a fast pace, with Belly Dancer by Imanbek appearing 78 times (5.6%).
Commenting on the findings, a Casinos Sweeps spokesperson said: “It can be tough to keep up motivation when running such a long distance, but finding the right playlist can massively help.
“If you are struggling to convince yourself to keep going, try listening to some of your favourite tracks to give you a boost.
“Music is unmatched as a powerful tool to hype you up, and with a fast-paced beat or catchy lyrics like what’s in these songs playing as you go, you’ll soon find yourself back in the swing of it.”
