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Rock Running Anthems

Transform your training with these powerful rock running songs that deliver the energy, intensity, and motivation serious runners demand. Rock music's guitar-driven sound and pounding drums make it naturally suited for running—the aggressive energy pushes you through tough intervals while iconic riffs keep your mind locked in during long efforts.

This Rock Running Anthems playlist features legendary tracks from AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, and more, with tempos ranging from 85-188 BPM and consistently high energy levels perfect for everything from steady runs to sprint intervals. What makes rock music for running so effective? The genre's emphasis on powerful instrumentation and driving rhythms creates a visceral connection that fuels determination when you need it most.

AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" (133 BPM) and "Highway to Hell" (116 BPM) provide relentless forward momentum, while Rage Against The Machine's "Killing In The Name" delivers raw intensity for speed work. For modern rock energy, tracks like Foo Fighters' "The Pretender" (173 BPM) and Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Can't Stop" (91 BPM with high danceability) offer varied tempos for different training needs.

This playlist excels for interval training music—alternate between high-intensity tracks for work periods and slightly mellower (but still energizing) songs for recovery. Perfect for tempo runs where you need sustained mental drive, fartlek workouts requiring alternating intensities, or race-day warm-ups that demand psychological preparation. Unlike generic workout playlists that mix genres aimlessly, this collection maintains rock's signature intensity throughout, giving you a cohesive sonic experience that matches your hard-charging running style. Use for: threshold runs at race pace, hill repeat sessions, speed work on the track, or any workout where you need to dig deep and push past comfort zones. The average energy level of 85/100 makes this one of the most intense playlists for serious runners who refuse to settle for background music—this is foreground fuel.

About This Playlist

68
Run Boost
120
Avg. BPM
40
Minutes
10
Tracks

Customize with Song2Run

If you want to customize a playlist according to your taste and for your training plan, have a look at the free Song2Run application that allows you to find runnable songs among your music and create a playlist for a slow run, an interval training, or a growing speed session.

Listen on Spotify

Track List

Thunderstruck
AC/DC
An electrifying rock anthem with a high-energy riff that sets the perfect pace for your run.
Australian rock band known for their hard-hitting sound and legendary performances.
Boosts adrenaline and energy, ideal for starting your run strong.
A high-voltage anthem celebrating power and excitement.
"Thunderstruck!"

BPM:
133
Energy:
9
Danceability:
5
Run Boost:
69

Back In Black
AC/DC
A classic rock track with a steady rhythm and iconic guitar riff, perfect for maintaining momentum.
Australian rock band known for their hard-hitting sound and legendary performances.
Keeps a steady pace with its driving beat and powerful energy.
A triumphant anthem about resilience and returning stronger.
"Back in black, I hit the sack!"

BPM:
188
Energy:
7
Danceability:
3
Run Boost:
40

Highway to Hell
AC/DC
A rock classic with a driving beat and rebellious energy, perfect for pushing through tough runs.
Australian rock band known for their hard-hitting sound and legendary performances.
Inspires determination and focus with its relentless rhythm.
A rebellious anthem about living life on your own terms.
"I'm on the highway to hell!"

BPM:
115
Energy:
9
Danceability:
6
Run Boost:
74

Killing In The Name
Rage Against The Machine
A powerful protest anthem with an intense rhythm and raw energy, perfect for high-intensity runs.
American rock band known for their politically charged lyrics and explosive sound.
Ignites passion and energy, ideal for sprints or intervals.
A defiant anthem about standing up against oppression.
"Killing in the name of!"

BPM:
88
Energy:
8
Danceability:
5
Run Boost:
40

The Pretender
Foo Fighters
A modern rock anthem with powerful drums and an energetic chorus that builds in intensity, perfect for pushing through challenging sections of your run.
American rock band formed by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, known for their high-energy performances and blend of post-grunge and alternative rock.
Builds intensity and energy, great for powering through tough intervals.
A defiant anthem about standing up against conformity and staying true to oneself.
"What if I say I'm not like the others?"

BPM:
172
Energy:
10
Danceability:
4
Run Boost:
40

The Kids Aren't Alright
The Offspring
A punk rock anthem with a fast tempo and emotional energy, perfect for maintaining a strong pace.
American punk rock band known for their energetic sound and relatable lyrics.
Keeps energy high with its fast tempo and emotional drive.
A reflective song about lost potential and resilience.
"The kids aren't alright!"

BPM:
99
Energy:
9
Danceability:
5
Run Boost:
73

Chop Suey!
System Of A Down
A dynamic rock track with shifting tempos and intense energy, ideal for interval training.
Armenian-American rock band known for their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics.
Encourages bursts of energy with its dynamic shifts.
A song about self-reflection and existential questions.
"Why'd you leave the keys upon the table?"

BPM:
127
Energy:
9
Danceability:
4
Run Boost:
40

Can't Stop
Red Hot Chili Peppers
A funky rock track with a steady rhythm and infectious energy, perfect for maintaining momentum.
American rock band known for their blend of funk, rock, and alternative styles.
Keeps a steady pace with its rhythmic groove.
A song about creativity and perseverance.
"Can't stop, addicted to the shindig!"

BPM:
91
Energy:
9
Danceability:
6
Run Boost:
77

In the End
Linkin Park
A nu-metal anthem with emotional lyrics and a steady rhythm, perfect for maintaining focus during your run.
American rock band known for their blend of alternative rock, nu-metal, and electronic elements.
Encourages focus and determination with its emotional drive.
A reflective song about persistence and the inevitability of time.
"In the end, it doesn't even matter."

BPM:
105
Energy:
9
Danceability:
6
Run Boost:
71

Basket Case
Green Day
A punk rock classic with a fast tempo and high energy, perfect for maintaining a strong pace.
American punk rock band known for their energetic sound and socially conscious lyrics.
Keeps energy high with its fast tempo and relatable lyrics.
A song about anxiety and self-doubt, with a sense of humor.
"Sometimes I give myself the creeps!"

BPM:
85
Energy:
9
Danceability:
4
Run Boost:
40

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