The best podcasts for running

We’re total podcast addicts here at Women’s Running HQ – as you may have guessed from our own weekly pod.

If you’re stuck in a rut with your running, getting your teeth stuck into some entertaining audio provides great motivation. Missing your run would mean missing the latest episode of your go-to podcast, and we couldn’t have that, could we? Plus, losing yourself in the world of a gripping story, chuckling along to some witty banter or being inspired by a celebrity interview is the best way to pass the time as you clock up the miles on those longer runs.

So, based on recommendations from our readers as well as a few of our own top picks, here are the best podcasts to keep you company as you run.

The best running podcasts

Tune in to some run chat as you pound the pavements – from top training tips to race day prep, you’re bound to learn something that will improve your running.

The Women’s Running podcast | Hosted by Esther Newman
We know, we’re biased, but both the Women’s Running team and our readers had this down as a favourite. Join editor Esther every other Thursday as she interviews fascinating runners from all walks of life, picking up some useful tips and tricks along the way. And in the alternating weeks, Esther catches up with digital editor Holly to help her with her own training – expect run fails, embarrassing stories and heaps of hilarious banter (if we do say so ourselves!).

Perfect if you’re looking for: relatable, real-life running stories

Average episode length: 50 minutes – great for a 5 mile run

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podtail, Google Podcasts and Buzzsprout.

RunPod | Hosted by Jenni Falconer
Jenni Falconer’s RunPod is super accessible, whatever your level. Join her for a weekly chat with a famous face from the running world as Jenni gets to the bottom of what drives us as runners. You can find interviews with big running stars like Paula Radcliffe, Eddie Izzard, Katie Piper and – our personal favourite – Esther Newman herself!

Perfect if you’re looking for: motivational stories from fascinating people

Average episode length: 45 minutes – ideal for a 5K and a proper cool-down

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podtail, PodBean and Deezer.

Marathon Talk | Hosted by Martin Yelling and Holly Rush
For more technical run chat, this one’s for you. Martin Yelling and Holly Rush weigh in on all things running along with special guests: usually elite runners with some incredible achievements under their belts. If you’ve ever wanted to know what makes a record-holder tick, you’ve found your perfect pod.

Perfect if you’re looking for: running tips from the experts

Average episode length: 1 hour and 20 minutes – perfect for your marathon training runs

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Free Weekly Timed | Hosted by Vassos Alexander
If you’re a parkrun fanatic then you’ll love Free Weekly Timed. This is another one that cropped up time and again when we asked our readers what they were listening to, and it’s been a blessing during the pandemic while we’re missing our favourite 5K event. Join Vassos and his co-host Louise every Friday for your weekly dose of parkrun, including all-important info on its return.

Perfect if you’re looking for: the latest running news

Average episode length: 40 minutes – conveniently timed for 5K of plodding

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podtail and PodBean.

Well Far: The Running Podcast | Hosted by Amy Lane
Well Far really is for every runner, whatever your level. With a new episode out every few days, you can find everything from expert advice to everyday stories, including lots of information for mums who run. You’ll also spot some famous faces sharing their running journeys with host and running wizard Amy Lane.

Perfect if you’re looking for: everyday running tips

Average episode length: 30 minutes – ideal for a weekday jog

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and PodBean.

The best long-form stories to keep you entertained

Hours and hours of storytelling to keep you gripped as you train.

Serial | Hosted by Sarah Koenig
This one really had us hooked. Join Sarah as she investigates one true crime case every series, over the course of several episodes. The first season is jam-packed with twists and turns, and not even Sarah knows how the series will end when she embarks on her journey. If you’re into fascinating murder mysteries but don’t want to feel spooked on your run, then this is for you.

Perfect if you’re looking for: a gripping tale that will see you through hours of training

Average episode length: 40 minutes

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Stitcher.

Chameleon | Hosted by Josh Dean and Vanessa Grigoriadis
Like Serial, this long-form story focusses on one criminal, as hosts Josh and Vanessa attempt to solve the mystery of the Hollywood Con Queen: a scammer who’s been targeting hardworking professionals trying to make it big. It’s a fascinating whodunit that will have you looking forward to your next run and the next piece of the puzzle!

Perfect if you’re looking for: a fascinating mystery to entertain you as you run

Average episode length: 40 minutes

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbay and Stitcher.

So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed | Hosted by Jon Ronson
This book-turned-podcast is a virtual page-turner, as journalist Jon Ronson gives witty and informed insight into the phenomenon of cancel culture. If you like to work your brain as well as your body, then this makes a great training companion.

Perfect if you’re looking for: something that will make you think

Average episode length: 15 minutes

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podtail, PodBean and BBC Radio 4.

The best comedy podcasts

Chuckle-worthy chats that will make you burst out laughing mid-run.

Shagged Married Annoyed | Hosted by Chris and Rosie Ramsay
All three of these comedy podcasts scored highly with our readers, but this was by far your favourite. Comedy couple Chris and Rosie Ramsay air their marriage mishaps in a weekly chat, and share their listeners’ most shameful secrets in our favourite segment: questions from the public, public, p-p-p-public!

Perfect if you’re looking for: relatable laughs

Average episode length: 1 hour

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast and Podtail.

My Dad Wrote a Porno | Hosted by Jamie Morton, James Cooper and Alice Levine
Jamie’s nightmare becomes our dream podcast as he discovers his dad’s erotic literature and reads it aloud to his best friends Alice and James. The brilliantly terrible writing is a laugh a minute, as the glamorous Belinda sleeps her way to the top of the pots and pans industry and Jamie and his friends read on in horror. It’s not remotely safe for work, but makes for perfect running entertainment.

Perfect if you’re looking for: a cheeky chuckle

Average episode length: 30 minutes

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, PodBean and Deezer.

Off Menu | Hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster
What do you think about most when you run? Because, for us, it’s undoubtedly food. Every week, a celebrity guest joins Ed and James in the Dream Restaurant and picks their favourite starter, main course, dessert, drink and side dish. It’s hilarious, light-hearted and fascinating for foodies.

Perfect if you’re looking for: foodie fun

Average episode length: 1 hour

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

The best celebrity interview podcasts

Fascinating conversations with well-known people.

Happy Place | Hosted by Fearne Cotton
The lovely Fearne Cotton speaks to celebrities with inspirational stories as she tries to get to the bottom of what makes us happy. Our readers love this one, and it’s our go-to pod to find some headspace. It’s wise without being preachy, and reminds us that we can’t control everything that happens to us: only the way we respond.

Perfect if you’re looking for: a moment of peace and quiet

Average episode length: 50 minutes

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Stitcher.

Happy Mum, Happy Baby | Hosted by Giovanna Fletcher
This one is hugely popular with our lovely mother runners: Queen of the I’m A Celebrity… jungle Giovanna Fletcher continues the conversations she started in her book of the same name, but this time with the help of some celeb guests. Gi feels like a friend, and we love the frank, honest and heartwarming chats about mother and fatherhood she has with some of our favourite people.

Perfect if you’re looking for: honest mum chat

Average episode length: 45 minutes

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Acast.

Grounded with Louis Theroux | Hosted by Louis Theroux
Louis really has become the soundtrack to our runs recently. Grounded is a fantastic series of conversations with famous faces, where Louis exercises his wonderful ability to get people talking. These are not interviews with celebrities just because they’re celebrities: every single episode is touching, personal and captivating.

Perfect if you’re looking for: gripping conversations with a wide variety of celebs

Average episode length: 1 hour

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and BBC Radio 4.

The Adam Buxton Podcast | Hosted by Adam Buxton
Buckles’ podcast is a hoot – with big names like Paul McCartney, Nile Rodgers and Jeff Goldblum as guests we’d probably listen anyway, but his hilarious jingles and interludes keep us coming back for more.

Perfect if you’re looking for: funny chats, with some serious bits

Average episode length: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Acast and PodBean.

The best podcasts for women, by women

If you love the Women’s Running podcast, give these female-focussed pods a go!

The Guilty Feminist | Hosted by Deborah Frances-White
Deborah’s podcast is a hilarious reminder that there’s always room for our feminism to evolve. Her weekly chats with some of the comedy world’s most brilliant women are funny, informative and brilliantly entertaining on a long run.

Perfect if you’re looking for: thoughtful, funny conversation with brilliant women

Average episode length: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and BBC Sounds.

The Receipts | Hosted by Tolani Shoneye, Audrey Indome and Milena Sanchez
Every Wednesday, Audrey, Tolani and Milena sit down for some no-filter chat – and we love it. Expect relationship talk, confessions and relatable everyday experiences with a fun, honest tone.

Perfect if you’re looking for: easy-listening talk, woman to woman

Average episode length: 1 hour

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

History Becomes Her | Hosted by Rachel Thompson
This podcast has given us insight into the women who paved the way for us. Game-changers from the world of feminism share their stories, as each episodes focusses in on a different issue. It’s an inspirational podcast about the woman who came before us and the women changing the world right now.

Perfect if you’re looking for: educational conversations with women who changed the game

Average episode length: 40 minutes

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Mashable and Acast.