Running Songs Artist Ranking [2026]

Star MarkerKANA-BOON43rank/position

KANA-BOON “Star Marker” Music Video [Anime “My Hero Academia” Season 4 Cultural Festival Arc Opening Theme]

A long-running hit that became the opening theme for the popular anime My Hero Academia.

When you think of KANA-BOON, you think of a band with many catchy, bright, and upbeat songs in the Japanese rock scene.

This track packs all of those charms into one song.

When people hear “a sense of speed,” many might imagine a fast tempo, but this song isn’t actually that fast.

Thanks to its danceable bassline and refreshing guitar arrangement, it feels exhilarating and full of drive—making it a perfect track for running!

California GurlsKaty Perry ft. Snoop Dogg44rank/position

Katy Perry – California Gurls (Official Music Video) ft. Snoop Dogg

It’s perfect music for modern girls to use as an exercise soundtrack, singing from the perspective of a California girl.

Once you hear it, you’ll definitely want to play it on repeat, and her vibe is girly and super charming.

Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)Kelly Clarkson45rank/position

Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) [Official Video]

Just listening to Kelly’s powerful voice makes the fog in your heart clear right up.

True to its title, this song is written around the theme of “Be Stronger,” and it’s a song that cheers on everyone—men and women alike—who are working hard in any field.

Not Like UsKendrick Lamar46rank/position

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

Set against a turbulent music scene, this ambitious work from American rapper Kendrick Lamar is imbued with a powerful message.

It carries a sincere sentiment that only he—who overcame a difficult childhood and has achieved remarkable success in the American music industry—could deliver.

Released in May 2024, the piece squarely confronts industry tensions and social issues, speaking through a commanding, West Coast–inflected beat.

On July 4, a music video was released to coincide with Independence Day, vividly portraying ties to the local community and pride in his roots.

It’s a song that can steady your heart when you need the courage to look ahead or the resolve to stay true to your convictions.

star performerKing Gnu47rank/position

King Gnu – A Star Performer

Dubbed the “Tokyo New Mixture Style,” King Gnu is a four-piece mixture band dominating the J-pop scene with each member’s high-level musicianship and musicality.

This is their sixth single overall.

Featured in NTT Docomo’s 5G commercial, the track’s memorable chord progression and thrilling structure really get you pumped.

The arrangement is complex yet catchy and stirring, helping you lock into your run.

Before you know it, you’ll have covered more distance—this rock tune is highly recommended for running.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Carry Me ft. Julia MichaelsKygo48rank/position

Kygo – Carry Me ft. Julia Michaels (Official Video)

Here’s a melodious track from Kygo, a pioneer of tropical EDM.

He came to Japan for Ultra Japan in 2016 and made quite a splash.

It’s not intense and has a relaxed tempo, so it’s also recommended for those doing slow jogging.

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA49rank/position

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSIC CLIP YouTube EDIT ver.-

Of course, fans of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba will love it, but even if you’re not, this is the biggest hit anime song of 2019, packed with exhilarating momentum! Its popularity spread to elementary schools and even kindergartens, becoming a full-blown social phenomenon.

Merchandise sold out immediately on release day, and the manga volumes rewrote sales rankings—truly a movement in its own right.

With its rich, powerful sound and tempo that pairs perfectly with running, it’s definitely worth a try.