Find Your Stride With the Best Running Podcasts
Last updated: March 2026
Looking for the perfect audio companion for your next run? Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting your couch-to-5k journey, the right podcast can make all the difference.
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The Best Running Podcasts in 2026
Train, race, and stay motivated with coaching and stories from the running world. Listen free in The Podcast App.
Listen to all 12 of these free in The Podcast App — with limited offline listening, no app-inserted ads, and optional AI summaries.
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#1Marathon Training Academy
Angie and Trevor
Practical training guidance for runners chasing their first or fastest marathon.
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#2Ali on the Run Show
Ali Feller
Ali Feller's energetic interviews with runners and people who inspire them.
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#3The Morning Shakeout
Mario Fraioli
Mario Fraioli's thoughtful conversations with athletes and coaches.
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#4Run to the Top
RunnersConnect : Running Coaching Community
RunnersConnect's expert coaching on training, nutrition, and racing.
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#5Trail Runner Nation
Trail Runner Nation
Everything trail and ultra running, from gear to mindset.
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#6The Strength Running Podcast
Jason Fitzgerald
Jason Fitzgerald on injury prevention and getting faster.
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#7Some Work, All Play
David Roche and Megan Roche
David and Megan Roche blend running science with relentless positivity.
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#8The Running Public
Kirk Dewindt & Brakken Kraker
Approachable training talk and gear reviews for everyday runners.
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#9Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara
Des Linden and Kara Goucher
The biggest running podcast of the moment: 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden and NYT-bestselling author and NBC analyst Kara Goucher trade unfiltered hot takes on pro racing and life. Presented by Brooks, it sold out live tapings in Boston and Duluth in 2026 — proof of how far it has crossed over. Start with "Live from Duluth featuring Dakotah Popehn (aka Des's Nemesis)" (June 24, 2026) — a live-show episode that captures the hosts' dynamic.
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#10The CITIUS MAG Podcast
CITIUS MAG
Chris Chavez's show is the closest thing running has to a nightly sports desk — race recaps, athlete signings, and interviews from meets like the Prefontaine Classic, often taped live from the track. Essential if you want to actually follow the pro circuit, not just training tips. Start with "This Week In Track & Field: Prefontaine Classic Recap - Tate Taylor Goes 19.75; Nikki Hiltz..." (July 7, 2026) — a weekly news round-up episode.
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#11Marathon Talk
Deena Kastor & Martin Yelling
One of running's longest-running shows, now co-hosted by coach Martin Yelling and US marathon record-holder Deena Kastor. It pairs relatable everyday-runner talk with big-name guests and race-integrity deep dives — a bridge between the coaching shows and the pro-racing shows on this list. Start with "EP93 | Running Through Sand - Marathon Talk meets Paul Tonkinson" (June 26, 2026) — a representative guest episode.
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#12The Running Effect Podcast
Dominic Schlueter
Dominic Schlueter's fast-growing show interviews pros, coaches, and everyday runners about the training habits and mindset behind real breakthroughs. Publishing several times a week, it has become a favorite among self-coached runners looking for practical, story-driven motivation. Start with "From 3:57 in High School to a 3:48 Pro Debut: Gary Martin on the NCAA's Brutal Depth, Signing with Brooks..." (July 10, 2026) — a recent athlete interview.
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Listen to all 12 in one place
Free core listening with no app-inserted ads, limited offline listening, and optional AI summaries from Podcast Brain — all in The Podcast App.
Sources and further reading
- Marathon Training AcademyOfficial site for Angie and Trevor Spencer's marathon-coaching podcast (rank 1).
- Ali on the Run ShowAli Feller's official blog and podcast page (rank 2).
- the morning shakeoutMario Fraioli's official site and podcast home (rank 3).
- Run to the Top (RunnersConnect)Official RunnersConnect podcast page for Run to the Top (rank 4).
- Trail Runner NationOfficial site of the trail and ultra running podcast (rank 5).
- The Strength Running PodcastJason Fitzgerald's official Strength Running podcast page (rank 6).
- Some Work, All PlayOfficial SWAP Running podcast page from David and Megan Roche (rank 7).
- The Running PublicOfficial site of Kirk Dewindt and Brakken Kraker's training podcast (rank 8).
- Nobody Asked Us with Des & KaraOfficial channel for Des Linden and Kara Goucher's Brooks-presented show (rank 9).
- The CITIUS MAG PodcastOfficial CITIUS MAG page for Chris Chavez's track and field podcast (rank 10).
- Marathon TalkOfficial Abbott World Marathon Majors page for Marathon Talk with Deena Kastor and Martin Yelling (rank 11).
- The Running Effect PodcastOfficial site of Dominic Schlueter's running podcast and media company (rank 12).
- Marathon (Wikipedia)Reference overview of the marathon distance central to this podcast genre.
- Running (Wikipedia)Encyclopedic overview of the sport these podcasts cover.
- World AthleticsInternational governing body for track, field, and road running.
- Abbott World Marathon MajorsOfficial body for the world's premier marathon series (Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, NYC, Tokyo).
- Boston Athletic AssociationOrganizer of the Boston Marathon, a frequent topic on these shows.
- USA Track & FieldNational governing body for running and track in the US.
- Runner's WorldLeading running journalism outlet covering training, racing, and podcasts.
- Road Runners Club of AmericaNational association of running clubs and certified coaches.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)US biomedical research agency
- CDCUS public-health authority
- Mayo Clinictrusted consumer medical reference
- Harvard Health Publishingevidence-based health from Harvard Medical School
Your Running Podcast Questions, Answered
It depends on what you want. For pro racing and personalities, Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara and The CITIUS MAG Podcast lead the way. For coaching and training, The Strength Running Podcast, Run to the Top, and Marathon Training Academy deliver. Marathon Talk and The Running Effect bridge both. Every show here offers free core listening with no app-inserted ads.
New runners do best with training-focused shows. Marathon Training Academy walks you through your first marathon build, Run to the Top covers pacing and nutrition fundamentals, and The Running Public keeps gear and workout talk approachable. The Strength Running Podcast is especially strong on avoiding early-runner injuries. All are free to follow, so start with one and add more as you go.
For the pro circuit, The CITIUS MAG Podcast is the closest thing to a running sports desk, with race recaps and athlete interviews taped live from meets. Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara adds two Olympians' unfiltered takes on the sport, and Marathon Talk brings in elite guests and marathon-integrity stories. All three are included on this page.
Every show on this page plays in The Podcast App with free core listening, downloads so episodes keep playing when you lose signal mid-run, and no app-inserted ads. Follow your favorites for new-episode notifications, and you'll get recommendations that surface fresh coaching and racing shows as they gain traction.
Elevate Your Run: The Ultimate Guide to Running Podcasts
Running can be a solitary pursuit, but with the right podcast, it transforms into an engaging and motivating experience. Whether you are pounding the pavement for a casual jog, training for a marathon, or simply seeking inspiration, running podcasts offer a unique blend of entertainment, education, and companionship. They provide expert advice on training techniques, nutrition, injury prevention, and mental fortitude, all while keeping your mind engaged during those long miles. Discover stories of triumph and challenge from fellow runners, learn about the latest gear, or simply enjoy a captivating narrative that makes the time fly by. The right audio companion can significantly enhance your performance and enjoyment, turning every run into an opportunity for growth.
When choosing a running podcast, consider what truly motivates you. Are you looking for structured training plans, insightful interviews with elite athletes, or perhaps lighthearted banter to distract you from the burn? Some podcasts focus on specific distances, like ultra-marathons, while others cover general fitness and well-being. Look for hosts who are knowledgeable and engaging, and content that resonates with your personal running goals. A good running podcast should feel like a trusted coach or a supportive running buddy, offering encouragement and practical tips that you can immediately apply to your routine. The variety available ensures there is a perfect audio match for every runner, regardless of their experience level or aspirations.
The Podcast App is designed to be your ideal running partner, ensuring your audio experience is as smooth as your stride. With features like offline downloads, you can save your favorite episodes and listen without worrying about data usage or spotty internet connections, perfect for trail runs or areas with limited service. The variable speed playback allows you to adjust the pace of conversations to match your own rhythm, whether you prefer to absorb information slowly or power through content quickly. Plus, our commitment to an experience without app-inserted ads means no interruptions to your flow, letting you stay fully immersed in your run and the valuable insights or captivating stories unfolding in your ears. This seamless listening environment helps you maintain focus and motivation from start to finish.
Beyond uninterrupted listening, The Podcast App offers innovative tools to deepen your engagement with running content. Our unique Brain AI feature allows you to ask specific questions across eligible transcript-backed listening history. Imagine finishing a run and instantly asking, "What are the best stretches for hamstring recovery?" or "Can Brain AI summarize the key takeaways on carbohydrate loading from my saved episodes?" This powerful tool transforms passive listening into active learning, helping you quickly find answers and reinforce knowledge. For runners who drive to their favorite routes, seamless integration with CarPlay ensures your podcasts are always accessible and easy to control, making your entire running journey, from commute to cool-down, effortlessly connected and enriching.
New in 2026
Running podcasts in 2026 are increasingly athlete-hosted and event-driven. The standout is Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara — 2018 Boston champion Des Linden and NBC analyst Kara Goucher — whose Brooks-presented show packed out live tapings in Boston and Duluth, a sign the genre has crossed over well beyond hardcore racers. Longtime staple Marathon Talk relaunched around US record-holder Deena Kastor alongside Martin Yelling, and CITIUS MAG kept running a near-nightly sports desk through the 2026 track season, taping live from meets like the Prefontaine Classic. Faster-cadence shows like The Running Effect fill the gap for self-coached runners who want frequent, story-driven episodes. The result: a listener can now stack a coaching show, a pro-racing show, and an athlete's-perspective show without overlap.
Your Perfect Running Partner Awaits
Download The Podcast App for free today and discover your new favorite running podcast. With a massive library and powerful features, you'll have everything you need to stay motivated and inspired on your runs.