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Five of the world’s best running podcasts

Monday, May 25th 2020

By Anji Andrews on Monday, May 25th 2020. Last updated Tuesday, March 30th 2021

Podcasts give us a feeling of companionship and route to inspiration that takes up much less time and concentration than reading a book. We can also take them out on the run!

Here are some of our favourites.

1. Marathon Talk (@marathontalk)

This weekly podcast has been an ever-present in the world of running for over a decade. The laid-back format includes running news from the mainstream to that of the eclectic Marathon Talk audience. A weekly interview, highly energetic hosting and regular features from listeners makes Marathon Talk a firm favourite.

Good for:

Running community engagement
Interviews

Listen here

2. Clean Sport Collective (@CleanSportCO)

Clean Sport Collective was created by a group of US athletes eager to discuss and celebrate clean sport during something of a chaotic time in athletics. Each episode features brutally honest discussion with passionate clean athletes and trusted voices from the sport. With double-Olympian Kara Goucher at the reins, you know you’re in for some straight-talking wisdom.

Good for:

Fans of elite running
Powerful real-life stories

Listen here

3. Free Weekly Timed (@freeweeklytimed)

Free Weekly Timed discusses all things parkrun. Virgin Radio favourite and running author Vassos Alexander heads up the show with the lively Helen Williams, parkrun event director and the co-founder of the first parkrun outside of London. Free Weekly Timed is a fun and fast paced weekly mix of parkrun stories, statistics, interviews and a weekly presenters’ quiz.

Good for:

parkrun fanatics
Short episodes

Listen here

4. Running Commentary (@RunComPod)

Recording every week on their run together, comedians Paul Tonkinson and Rob Deering bring a regular dose of chat that combines a unique blend of running and comedy. Tonkinson’s experience of writing for Runner’s World and his recent book 26.2 miles to happiness, and their combined experiences of regular midpack running and stand up comedy make Running Commentary unmissable. RunComPod as it’s affectionately known by listeners is like catching up with the running buddies you wish you had.

Good for:

Comedy
Club runners

Listen here

5. The morning shakeout (@theAMshakeout)

American runner, coach and author Mario Fraioli presents extended interviews with athletes that are so laid back you will feel like you’re eavesdropping. Fraoili’s experience in running shines through into superb questioning as he teases out epic stories and first-rate advice.

Tip: sign up to Mario’s weekly email for further regular inspiration.

Good for:

Inspirational stories
American running fans

Listen here

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AuthorAnji Andrews

A well-known member of the North East UK running community, marathon runner, and GoodGym Area Activator for Newcastle. Anji is the social media voice and part of the production team of the UK's number one running podcast, Marathon Talk. Specialising in copywriting and social media, Anji is passionate about storytelling. Her first book, Running In The Midpack (co-written with Martin Yelling), was released in 2021.