As the temperatures rise and more people lace up their running shoes, new research reveals the top tunes that help keep runners motivated. According to a study conducted by casino sweepstake comparison site Casinos Sweeps, Kate Bush’s iconic hit “Running Up That Hill” is the number one choice for joggers and runners.
Using Spotify’s Playlist Miner tool, the study analysed 1,400 playlists related to ‘running’ and ‘jogging’ to discover the songs that consistently feature as motivators. The results showed that “Running Up That Hill” appeared on 14% of all the playlists, making it the favourite among fitness enthusiasts.
The resurgence of Kate Bush’s 1985 hit, largely due to its feature in the popular TV series Stranger Things, has clearly struck a chord with runners. Its powerful beat and emotive lyrics seem to provide the perfect soundtrack for those pushing their limits.
In second place is David Guetta’s “I’m Good (Blue)”, which appeared in 9.7% of the playlists. This upbeat track, with its infectious rhythm, is ideal for maintaining high energy levels during a run. The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” takes third place, featured in 8.9% of the playlists. Its fast tempo makes it perfect for picking up the pace when the going gets tough.
Cassö’s “Prada” and Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” round out the top five. “Prada”, with its electronic beats, appeared in 6.5% of the playlists, while “Flowers” was included in 6%. Both tracks are celebrated for their ability to keep runners moving.
Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” is next, featuring in 5.9% of the playlists. Its catchy lyrics make it a great choice for lifting spirits during a challenging run. Tied for seventh place are Tiësto’s “The Motto”, Eminem’s “Till I Collapse”, and Joel Corry’s “Head & Heart”. Each of these songs appeared in 5.9% of the playlists, offering a mix of recent hits and early 2000s nostalgia.
Pitbull’s “Timber” and Imanbek’s “Belly Dancer” also made the top ten, with appearances in 5.8% and 5.6% of the playlists, respectively. These high-energy tracks are perfect for maintaining momentum.
A spokesperson for Casinos Sweeps commented on the findings: “As summer approaches, many are getting back into their jogging or running routines that may have lapsed during the colder months. Keeping motivated can be challenging, especially over long distances, but the right playlist can make all the difference.”
The spokesperson continued: “If you find it hard to keep going, try listening to some of your favourite dance or pop tracks. Music is an unmatched tool for hyping yourself up, and with a fast-paced beat or catchy lyrics, you’ll soon find yourself back in the swing of things.”
Scientific research supports this view. A study published in the International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology suggests that energy efficiency and work output can improve during endurance exercise with the use of self-selected, motivational, and stimulative music. Essentially, playing your favourite songs as you, exercise can enhance performance with less perceived effort.
This list of top tracks highlights the power of music to transform the running experience. From nostalgic hits to contemporary anthems, these songs provide the perfect accompaniment for runners aiming to achieve their personal bests.
As runners across the UK prepare for warmer weather and longer days, they can look to this playlist to keep them inspired and moving forward. Whether training for a marathon or simply trying to improve fitness, the right music can be the key to staying motivated and achieving goals.
For more information, visit https://casinossweeps.com.