Recommended music for marathons: uplifting songs that give you the courage to power through
Do you listen to music when you run marathons or go jogging?
In fact, listening to music while running comes with big benefits!
The biggest advantage is that matching your stride to the tempo can act like a pacemaker and help you keep a steady pace.
Plus, listening to your favorite tracks or motivational songs can boost your morale, helping some people make it all the way to the finish.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs with comfortable running tempos and uplifting anthems that boost motivation!
You’re sure to get that extra push to hang in there a little longer.
Just be sure to stay aware of your surroundings—and bring these tunes along as your companions for marathons and jogs!
- Songs That Make You Want to Run: Music for Running and Jogging to Get You Motivated!
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- [Fuel Your Fighting Spirit] An Adrenaline-Pumping Fight Song
- [Hype Songs] A must-listen for athletes and sports lovers! A curated selection of tracks that boost motivation
- [Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
- Recommended cheer songs for elementary school students: popular tracks to listen to when you want a boost
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational Anthems That Resonate with the Heart
- Perfect for sports or driving! High-energy, fast-paced tracks that will get you pumped
- [For those doing their best] A collection of motivational cheer songs
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
- Just by listening, you’ll feel braver! Cheer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- [A Life-Affirming Anthem] An Encouraging Song to Cheer You On
Recommended music for marathons: motivational songs (71–80) that give you the courage to run through
A victorious smile with youUkasukaji
This track is packed with the appeal of a fiery cheer song that amps up any sports day scene.
Its exhilarating sound fusing J-pop and hip-hop, along with its message of encouragement for those who take on challenges, really resonates.
Released in May 2014 as a digital-only single by Ukasuka-G, it also served as the lead single for the album “AMIGO,” released in June of the same year, and was adopted as an official cheer song for the Japan national soccer team.
The song has been featured in numerous tie-ins, including Kirin’s “Nihonjuu ga Kata o Kumu” commercial and Mizuho Financial Group’s “ONE MIZUHO Power of Blue” commercial.
It’s recommended not only for exit scenes at school sports days, but for a wide range of moments that call for passion and energy, such as sporting events and competitions.
Zankyo SankaAimer
A work whose grand worldview woven by visuals and music is its chief allure.
The powerful message embedded in the lyrics—“overcoming past pain and moving forward into the future”—is beautifully harmonized with the dark, sweeping melody.
Aimer’s distinctive vocals resound with deep emotion and stir the heart.
It was released digitally in advance in December 2021, followed by a CD single in January 2022.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc, it drew major attention, including taking two crowns on Billboard Japan from its digital release.
Perfect for when you need the courage to walk toward your ideals or to fire yourself up.
Listening to this piece while training will surely give you the strength to push past your limits.
OrangeSPYAIR
A heart-thumping number where the bittersweetness of youth coexists with optimism.
The lyrics, which look back on past memories while singing of hope for the future, are particularly striking.
Released in February 2024, this track was used as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle and became a major talking point.
It marks SPYAIR’s fourth collaboration with the Haikyu!! series.
Fresh and energetic, the song is perfect to listen to before an important game or competition.
It will surely give a gentle push to your back as you believe in yourself and move forward.
earnest desireSUPER BEAVER
SUPER BEAVER’s deeply moving masterpiece that sings about the importance of human connections is included on their album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024.
The song gently conveys how an individual’s happiness is built with the support of many people and the warmth created by a chain of smiles.
The album “Ongaku” also features several tie-in tracks, including the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2 and the anthem for the 103rd National High School Rugby Tournament.
It’s the perfect song for cheering on those practicing for sports days and field days, or for reminiscing about the memories of working up a sweat with your friends.
Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet
The song that drew attention for the collaboration between MAN WITH A MISSION and milet was produced as the theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc.
It fuses a powerful rock sound with milet’s clear, resonant vocals, singing of the strength of bonds and the courage to face hardship.
Released as a single in May 2023, it received a huge response both in Japan and abroad, surpassing 100 million views on YouTube.
It’s a track that encourages not only anime fans but everyone who keeps taking on challenges.
Highly recommended for boosting your motivation or listening before an important match.
rainbowAqua Timez
Aqua Timez’s “Niji,” which was used as the theme song for the third season of the school drama Gokusen and became a major hit.
Running a marathon isn’t all fun.
The joy and exhilaration that come after pushing through the tough moments might be something only runners truly understand, but listening to this song may help you overcome those painful times.
Buoyed by the soothing vocals that seem to reassure you with a gentle “It’s okay,” you’ll feel like you can make it all the way to the finish line.
Be sure to give it a listen as your companion for the marathon.
The decisive battle is on Friday.DREAMS COME TRUE
From the very intro, DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Kessen wa Kinyōbi” ignites your fighting spirit.
It was DREAMS COME TRUE’s first million-selling single, and chances are everyone’s heard it at least once.
Even a single listen makes your body move naturally—its energy is incredible—so it’s a great pick to accompany a marathon.
When you hear Miwa Yoshida’s powerful vocals, don’t you feel strength welling up even in tough moments? Once you flip “hard” into “fun,” you’ll find you just can’t quit running marathons!