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!
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- [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 that give you the courage to keep running (101–110)
No Limit feat. AK-69Kinashi Noritake
This song expresses an attitude of pushing beyond one’s limits and continuing to take on challenges.
It was originally created as the theme song for the 2022 parasports event “BEYOND STADIUM 2022.” Released digitally in October 2024, it drew attention as the lead track from the album “Kinashi Soul.” Featuring AK-69, a heavyweight in Japan’s hip-hop scene, it delivers a powerful message.
It’s packed with Noritake Kinashi’s energetic and positive spirit that defies age.
NIPPONShiina Ringo
This is a powerful cheering song by Ringo Sheena, released in May 2014 as the theme song for Japan’s national soccer team.
Included on the album Hi Izuru Tokoro, it features a rock sound infused with traditional Japanese elements, creating an energetic track that lifts the spirits of viewers.
With lyrics invoking words like “banzai” and “departure for battle,” the song conveys the weight of kanji, expressing Japan’s tradition and pride while delivering a passionate message that inspires the courage to take on challenges.
Chosen as the theme for NHK’s soccer-related programs and used during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the song drew considerable attention.
If you listen when you need to fire yourself up, it’s sure to give you a push.
Rising SunEXILE
EXILE’s “Rising Sun,” with its satisfying four-on-the-floor “thump, thump, thump, thump” beat, feels great.
Released as a double A-side single to commemorate the 10th anniversary of EXILE’s debut, it features lyrics—along with the simultaneously included “Itsuka Kitto…”—that leave a strong impression by encouraging those who believe in their path and keep moving forward.
In particular, “Rising Sun” has a moderately fast tempo that’s perfect for marathons! For your cooldown after running to this track, I also recommend “Itsuka Kitto…,” so try listening to it together with “Rising Sun.”
OtonokeCreepy Nuts
This Creepy Nuts track, which captivates listeners across generations from children to adults, was written as the opening theme for the anime Dandadan.
Its driving, fast-paced beat and emotional hook leave a strong impression, while lyrics themed around the occult and the supernatural enhance the song’s atmosphere.
Released as a digital single in October 2024, it was later issued on CD as well.
The song is also included on Creepy Nuts’ fourth studio album, Legion.
It’s a track that stokes your fighting spirit when you listen to it before an important game or competition.
Highly recommended for anyone who believes in the power of music.
Blue Storynaniwa danshi
Naniwa Danshi is supported by a wide range of generations.
The song they created as a tie-in with Sea Breeze is “Blue Story.” It’s a refreshing track themed around youth.
In the commercial, the song plays over scenes of members Shunsuke Michieda and Kento Nagao running on a field, so many people probably associate it with a “sports day song.” Of course, even if you haven’t seen the commercial, the passionate lyrics and sound are sure to boost your motivation to run.
