Whether it’s Taylor Swift or The Prodigy, the right music doesn’t only help you get in the mood to work out — it can motivate you when you need to power through those final few reps, and even soundtrack your post-workout stretches and post-run recovery.
For runners, playlists can often take on even greater importance. 100 BPM (beats per minute) is considered ideal for brisk walking, 120 BPM is for fast walking and moderate running, and 160 BPM or 170 BPM will help you regulate your cadence on a pretty fast run.
180 BPM is often said to represent the ideal cadence for competitive and elite runners, whose stride turnover is usually around 180 steps per minute. That’s why many of those runners stride in sync with the rhythm of the music, using 180 BPM playlists to not only keep their pacing steady but reach specific training goals.
With that in mind, we’ve assembled a 180 BPM Spotify playlist for runners, especially those preparing for competitive races. But running cadence can be an individual thing. Don’t worry if 180 BPM proves to be too quick for your preferred pacing — our playlist can still be enjoyed even if the beats don’t perfectly match your stride!
- Pass Out – Tinie Tempah
Get into the groove instantly with Tinie Tempah’s chart-topping debut.
- Do Me a Favour – Arctic Monkeys
I bet you look good on the treadmill!
- The Pusher – Response
Seven minutes of drum and bass excellence.
- The Distance – CAKE
Go the distance yourself with this ‘90s classic.
- Dancing with Myself – Generation X
It’s okay to run and sing at the same time. Honest.
- Feel the Love – Rudimental
The best of British for more than a decade.
- Modern Love – David Bowie
Stride towards a great time with this timeless hit.
- Roar – Katy Perry
Have you got the eye of the tiger?
- A-Punk – Vampire Weekend
Bright, breezy and paced to perfection.
- In Da Club – 50 Cent
Party like it’s your birthday.
- 03’ Bonnie & Clyde – JAY-Z, Beyonce
Let the power couple supercharge your pace.
- Gold Guns Girls – Metric
Driving rock to get you through the tough miles.
- Blitzkrieg Bop – Ramones
Hey ho, let’s go!
- Come Out Swinging – The Offspring
Adrenaline hit straight from the year 2000.
- Laura – Scissor Sisters
Two steps to a beat make this a 180 BPM staple.
- Monkey Wrench – Foo Fighters
It’s times like these you run and run again.
- Rock Lobster – The B-52s
Kitschy fashion, oddball humour and a great running song.
- I’m So Excited – The Pointer Sisters
You’re really moving now — and you just can’t hide it.
- I’m Still Standing – Elton John
Heavy legs? Not when this defiant classic comes on!
- Livin’ la Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
You’d be crazy to skip over this smash hit.
- You Already Know – Arcade Fire
Yes, that’s Jonathan Ross’s voice in the intro.
- Cowbell – Tapes ‘n Tapes
We know what this playlist needs. More cowbell!
- My Name is Jonas – Weezer
Slacker rock that gives it everything.
- Headshot – Original Sin
Bruising drum and bass with plenty of attitude.
- Bloodstream – Ed Sheeran, Rudimental
No playlist is complete without a bit of Ed.
- Demons – Imagine Dragons
An extra-large track for an extra-fast time.
- Sad But True – Metallica
Heavy metal: The antidote to heavy legs.
- Diamonds – Rihanna
Inspiration from Barbados’s brightest star.
- Got ‘Til It’s Gone – Janet Jackson
Settle into your stride with a dose of R’n’B.
- Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
There’s a bad moon on the rise. Better pick up the pace.
- Fu-Gee-La – Fugees
Tune into the defiant vibe of mid-’90s New Jersey.
- Doin’ it Right – Daft Punk
Chase down the final miles with robotic determination.
- Worst Comes to Worst – Dilated Peoples
This will bring the best out in you.
- 19-2000 – Gorillaz
Resist the urge to beat your chest mid-run.
- Hocus Pocus – Focus
Running isn’t a magic trick. You just need to focus.
- Girls’ Night Out – The Knife
Trim a few seconds off your PB with The Knife.
- Give It Away – Red Hot Chili Peppers
You do a little run and then you drink a little water.
- Freedom! ’90 – George Michael
You’ve got to give for what you take.
- Hold On – Alabama Shakes
The finish line is in sight. Hold on!
Discover more ways to supercharge your run, from motivation hacks for every kind of runner to expert tips for your first-ever 10k.
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