The best energy boost can’t be swallowed—its path to your legs begins in your ears. When the gradual incline of a false flat joins forces with the sweltering summer heat to sabotage your run, the perfect power song can make all the difference.
No, July running isn’t for the faint of heart, but this carefully curated playlist will help you shatter the wall. Better yet, we went ahead and built the entire playlist for you on Spotify! Just click the link on the last slide to download.
"First Time"
By Kygo & Ellie Goulding 1 of 22
Kygo only knows bangers. Think Ellie listens to herself while she runs?
Up Next: Stay humble.
Find a
race."HUMBLE"
By Kendrick Lamar 2 of 22
There's a reason Kendrick emerged as the promotional voice of the NBA Finals.
Up Next: Another one.
Find a
race."I'm the One"
By DJ Khaled (feat. Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper & Lil' Wayne) 3 of 22
"It Won't Kill Ya"
By The Chainsmokers (feat. Louane) 4 of 22
We could've gone with about six different songs off this album—but this one is tough to beat.
Up Next: Let's go to work.
Find a
race."Work"
By Rihanna (feat. Drake) 5 of 22
There's something 'bout that work, work, work, work, work, work…
Up Next: Six-to-midnight.
Find a
race."Midnight City"
By M83 6 of 22
"Lose Yourself"
By Eminem 7 of 22
The ultimate workout song will never get old. July is the perfect time to go back to the well.
Up Next: But our princess is in another castle.
Find a
race."Castle"
By Halsey 8 of 22
When this song comes on, just pretend you're on a time-sensitive mission to save the world. You'll see what we mean.
Up Next: Plug in.
Find a
race."Outlet"
By Desiigner 9 of 22
For a mid-run jolt of electricity, just find the Outlet.
Up Next: An emotional roller coaster.
Find a
race."Sweet Emotion"
By Aerosmith 10 of 22
Smooth enough for flat and fast, rockin' enough for even the most unforgiving hill.
Up Next: It's in the bag.
Find a
race."Goyard Bag"
By Fabolous (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) 11 of 22
A dash of hypnotic. A pinch of inspiration. A shake of swagger.
Up Next: Floor it.
Find a
race."Well Enough Alone"
By Chevelle 12 of 22
Sometimes, a little chip on your shoulder goes a long way. Here's four minutes of attitude.
Up Next: Sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads.
Find a
race."Know No Better"
By Major Lazer (feat. Travis Scott, Camila Cabello & Quavo) 13 of 22
Without doubt, one of the songs of the summer. You won't know no better than to finish that last mile when this comes on.
Up Next: The fruit bowl.
Find a
race."Passionfruit"
By Drake 14 of 22
"Thinking About You"
By Calvin Harris (feat. Ayah Marar) 15 of 22
Talk about cadence control. Calvin Harris' latest banger will keep your feet moving quick—all the way to the pool.
Up Next: Summer lovin'.
Find a
race."Summer Love"
By Justin Timberlake 16 of 22
C'mon. You didn't think we'd put together a mid-summer playlist without this masterpiece, did you?
Up Next: You're under arrest.
Find a
race."Message in a Bottle"
By The Police 17 of 22
If including The Police is wrong, we don't want to be right.
Up Next: A diamond in the rough.
Find a
race."24K Magic"
By Bruno Mars 18 of 22
"All of the Lights"
By Kanye West 19 of 22
Don't even try to act like that Gatorade commercial doesn't get you hype. When it's time to rally, just let Mr. West do his thing.
Up Next: Almost time to sit back and unwind.
Find a
race."Summertime"
By Will Smith 20 of 22
This ageless summer anthem is the perfect way to celebrate the dog days—and the end of your run.
Up Next: Go time.
Find a
race.The Perfect Playlist
21 of 22
Now get out there and crush it.
Did we miss something? Let us know! Comment with your own power songs of the summer below.
Find a
race.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article