As the pace of life has quickened, it is more and more difficult to spend more time in exercising. Running become more and more popular as a sport not consuming much time. It's peace. It's meditation. It's discipline and joy. It's challenge and self-improvement.
Whether you're just starting out, training for a marathon, or somewhere in between, the right audiobook can turn an ordinary run into an experience. Stories pull you in. Knowledge expands your mind. The miles disappear. It's a simple way to exercise both body and mind at the same time.
I've tested countless audiobooks on my runs—some kept me hooked, others fell flat. Now, I'm sharing my top picks for the best audiobooks to listen to while running. Trust me, these will make your next workout fly by.
Part 1. 10 Best Audiobooks for Running
Through my own experience and discussions with fellow runners on Reddit, I've noticed a pattern—certain types of books work better than others when you're on the move.
Generally, the best audiobooks for running fall into four main categories:
- Books with minimal dialogue: Too many back-and-forth conversations can be distracting mid-run.
- Light, immersive fiction: Stories that pull you in without demanding intense focus.
- High-adrenaline thrillers: Crime, action, and suspense books that keep your pace up.
- Running-related books: Stories about endurance and perseverance that fuel motivation.
#1. The Wheel of Time – Robert Jordan
Narrated by: Michael Kramer, Kate Reading
Listening Length: Listening Length
Best for: Long endurance runs
Why I Recommend It:
If you're running long distances, The Wheel of Time is definitely one of the best audiobooks for long runs. Its series delivers rich world-building, intricate plots, and steady-paced narration. This book is perfect for zoning out and logging serious miles. With over 30 hours per book, this epic fantasy ensures you're never short on entertainment.
#2. True Crime Addict – James Renner
Narrated by: James Renner
Listening Length: 7 hours
Best for: Fast-paced runs
Why I Recommend It:
If you love true crime, this book will have you on the edge of your running shoes. Renner's personal investigation into a cold case is both compelling and thought-provoking. If you need a book to push your stride, this one will do the trick.
#3. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – Haruki Murakami
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Listening Length: 4.5 hours
Best for: Reflective, steady runs
Why I Recommend It:
This isn't a training guide. It's a meditative exploration of running, writing, and life itself. Murakami's poetic, deeply personal reflections resonate with anyone who has ever laced up their shoes and hit the pavement. Some days, you don't need speed but you need clarity. And that's exactly what this book provides.
#4. Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Listening Length: 16 hours
Best for: Long, steady-state runs
Why I Recommend It:
Andy Weir (The Martian) is a master at balancing humor, tension, and scientific intrigue. This book is a science fiction thriller that will keep you guessing. The narrator does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life which keeps you engaged for miles. The narration is flawless, the pacing is perfect, and before you know it, you've run farther than expected.
#5. Greenlights – Matthew McConaughey
Narrated by: Matthew McConaughey
Listening Length: 7 hours
Best for: Feel-good morning jogs
Why I Recommend It:
McConaughey doesn't just read this book, he performs it. His signature charm, wit, and storytelling make Greenlights feel like a personal conversation. Whether he's sharing wild Hollywood stories or profound life lessons, his voice keeps you engaged. Easygoing, motivating, and endlessly entertaining, it's the perfect companion for a sunrise jog.
#6. The Hunger Games Series – Suzanne Collins
Narrated by: Tatiana Maslany
Listening Length: 11+ hours per book
Best for: High-energy runs
Why I Recommend It:
Explosive action. High stakes. Unforgettable characters. This dystopian series is a page-turner (or should I say, earbud-filler). The fast-paced action and compelling characters will keep you hooked. When listening to the Hunger Games Series for running, the short chapters will trick you into thinking, "Just one more mile...".
#7. Born to Run – Christopher McDougall
Narrated by: Fred Sanders
Listening Length: 11 hours
Best for: Trail running, motivation boosts
Why I Recommend It:
This book explores the world of ultramarathon running and the Tarahumara tribe's incredible running abilities. It doesn't just make you want to run. It makes you want to run better. Inspiring, educational, and packed with fascinating characters, it's one of the best audiobooks for long runs.
#8. Finding Ultra – Rich Roll
Narrated by: Rich Roll
Listening Length: 9 hours
Best for: Tough training days, motivation slumps
Why I Recommend It:
We all have those days–low energy, low motivation, no desire to move. That's when I turn to Finding Ultra. Rich Roll's story of transformation from an overweight, middle-aged man to an elite endurance athlete is raw, powerful, and deeply inspiring. It's the kind of audiobook that makes you lace up even when you don't feel like it.
#9. Dungeon Crawler Carl – Matt Dinniman
Narrated by: Jeff Hays
Listening Length: 13.5 hours
Best for: Fun, engaging tempo runs
Why I Recommend It:
Imagine a video game turned audiobook–wild, unpredictable, and full of twisted humor. Dungeon Crawler Carl is pure chaotic entertainment, making it perfect for days when you just want to enjoy the run.
#10. Walking to Aldebaran – Adrian Tchaikovsky
Narrated by: Ariyon Bakare
Listening Length: 2.5 hours
Best for: Short, intense workouts
Why I Recommend It:
A thoughtful science fiction novella that explores themes of consciousness and identity. The narration is excellent, and the story is both moving and thought-provoking. If you prefer your runs short and sharp, Walking to Aldebaran keeps the energy up without dragging on.
Part 2. How to Listen to Audible Audiobooks on Running-Friendly Devices
Picture this: you start your run, excited to listen to a great book. But soon, your phone feels too heavy, your earbuds keep slipping, or your armband won't stay in place. Instead of enjoying your best audiobooks for running, you're distracted by discomfort.
I've been there too. I love listening to audiobooks while running, but holding onto my phone or strapping it to my arm always felt uncomfortable. Sometimes, I'd try tucking it into a pocket, only for it to bounce annoyingly with every step. I knew there had to be a better way.
Now, before every run, I have a routine: I prep my audible books for running the night before. First, I download my audiobooks from Audible, then use ViWizard Audible Audiobook Converter to converts my books to MP3, M4A, FLAC, M4B, AAC, and other formats based on what device I choose. Once converted, I can transfer them to my iPod, MP3 player, or smartwatch in seconds.
Enjoy Audible on Apple Watch with this step-by-step guide. Learn to install, sync, play, and troubleshoot like a pro!
If you can't play Audible on your iPod, it is possible that the Audible formats AA/AAX are not compatible. Check this post to find 3 quick solutions.
What I love most? Speed and control. The conversion runs at 100x faster speeds, so even long audiobooks are ready in minutes. Plus, I can split them into chapters, tweak the audio quality, adjust narration speed, and even fine-tune the pitch. You can click the Free Trial button to give it a try for free.
Key Features of ViWizard Audible Audiobook Converter
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- Convert Audible audiobook to unprotected audio formats like MP3
- Split Audible book into several smaller segments by chapter or by time
- Support playing Audible audiobooks on any device or media player
- Handle the conversion of Audible audiobooks up to 100× faster speed
Conclusion
The right audiobook can transform your running experience. Some books motivate. Some distract. Others make you feel like you're part of something bigger. Whether you need an adrenaline rush, deep focus, or pure entertainment, with all these best audiobooks for running, there's a book on this list for you.
So, grab your headphones, pick your best audiobooks for running, and hit the road. The miles will fly by.
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Matt Smith, a digital entertainment industry enthusiast at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing insightful commentary and solutions for music and media-related topics, including industry trends, analysis, and recommendations.
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