Some people love to run.
I certainly fall into that camp. I have been running for over 25 years and have a passion for the sport that led me to become a certified running coach, making running not only my avocation but also my vocation.
Although many of the runners I coach also have a passion for running, plenty find it challenging to get in the groove and are looking for ways to make running fun for them.
For these runners, a running coach serves as a point of accountability because they otherwise lack the motivation to run, simply because they don’t love running.
Fortunately, I have worked with enough runners of all ages and interest levels over the years that I have amassed some tips for making running fun, even for staunch running haters.
Running doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right mindset, creative workouts, and a few simple tricks, you can turn every run into an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore 16 fun ways to make running more exciting, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner looking to reignite your passion for the sport.
How Can You Make Running Fun Again?
There isn’t a single magic pill or solution for making running fun that will necessarily cause everyone to love it instantly.
Instead, different strategies may make running fun and appeal to different runners based on your personality, preferences, reasons that you don’t love running, fitness level, and the type of training that you already do.
I do think it is important to note that almost every runner will experience a dip in motivation to run at some point.
I love running, but even I struggle to be super excited to do every single speed workout, and sometimes I, too, am looking for ways to make running fun again.
Many beginners also go through a phase where they are very excited about running, but once they stop improving so quickly, the joy of running wanes somewhat, and they need strategies to make running fun again.
Here are some of my top tips to do just that:
#1: Get a Running Coach
Investing in a running coach can help you fall back in love with running by adding structure, purpose, and variety to your training. A coach doesn’t just hand you a plan — they help you rediscover why you run in the first place.
A good coach can spot patterns you might miss, like overtraining, underfueling, or doing too much of the same type of running. They’ll help you adjust your training load, introduce new workouts, and find fresh goals that reignite your excitement.
A coach also brings creativity to your training — swapping endless easy miles for fun speed sessions, hill challenges, or themed long runs that keep things interesting. Plus, having someone track your progress and celebrate your wins (big or small) makes running feel more rewarding.
Most importantly, a coach is your accountability partner and your personal cheerleader. On tough days, they remind you why you started. On great days, they help you build on that momentum. With the right coach, running becomes less of a grind — and more of a game you actually want to play.
#2: Join a Local Running Club
Social support is one of the most powerful ways to make running more enjoyable — and sustainable. Joining a local running club turns what can feel like a solo grind into a shared experience.
Most communities have running groups that meet for long runs, speed sessions, or weekend coffee runs.
Training alongside others helps the miles fly by — you’ve got conversation to distract you, encouragement to push through tough intervals, and shared laughter when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Running with others also brings accountability. When you know someone’s waiting for you at the trailhead, it’s harder to hit snooze. Plus, group runs often introduce you to new routes, paces, and even race opportunities you wouldn’t have discovered on your own.
And if there isn’t a local club nearby, don’t worry — the running world is full of thriving online communities. From Strava groups to Facebook clubs to virtual challenges, you can find camaraderie, competition, and inspiration wherever you are.
Running is always better together — and joining a club can remind you just how fun this sport can be.
We have a fantastic online social media Facebook group for Marathon Handbook if you would like to join.
#3: Set an Exciting Running Goal
Sometimes, all it takes to make running fun again is having something fresh to chase. Setting an exciting running goal gives your training purpose and direction — it turns each run into a meaningful step toward something bigger.
The best goals are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Maybe that means training for a local 10K, joining a charity relay, or finally tackling that trail you’ve always avoided.
But not all goals need to be race-focused. You might aim to improve your running form, increase your weekly mileage safely, boost your cadence, or simply run your favorite route a little faster or smoother.
The key is to choose a goal that genuinely excites you — something that sparks curiosity and motivation rather than pressure. Having a clear, personal target keeps you focused, energized, and more likely to lace up even on low-motivation days.
When your running has a purpose, the process itself becomes more rewarding — and every small win along the way reminds you why you love to run.
#4: Use a Running App
There are tons of great running apps that can help make running fun.
Zombies, Run! turns your workout into an interactive game where you complete missions and escape from zombie hordes, making even the toughest miles thrilling.
Nike Run Club offers guided runs with motivating coaches and challenges that make running feel like a community experience rather than a solo endeavor.
Strava adds a competitive and social element, allowing you to track your progress, join challenges, and compete on leaderboards with friends and fellow runners.
Whether you’re a fan of storytelling, competition, or simply looking for extra motivation, these apps make running more fun and interactive, ensuring you’ll look forward to every mile.
#5: Find New Running Routes
One of the most common reasons that runners get into a rut or feel that running has become boring is because they are running the same running routes every day.
Your local running store or members of the running community may have suggestions for other great places to run.
Or, use a running app such as AllTrails to discover new routes, trails to explore, and ways to bring variety to your running routine.
#6: Incentivize Yourself
There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of external motivation.
Perhaps you can incentivize yourself by scheduling a spa day or a massage if you knock off all of the runs on your training plan for the week, or you might buy yourself a subscription to a streaming service such as Spotify so that you can create a motivating running playlist.
#7: Make a Fun Playlist
Particularly for long runs, having a special running playlist that you curate each week can help keep the run fun and even make you look forward to rocking out during your miles.
Choose upbeat songs with a high BPM that will put a pep in your step and help you maintain a fast running cadence.
#8: Try Audiobooks or Podcasts
If you are tired of the same running playlist and music with a fast bpm isn’t really your jam, an audiobook or podcast can be a fantastic running companion.
One of the best tips I give to runners who are struggling to love running is to use their workouts as the only time they are “allowed” to listen to a certain audiobook or podcast.
This can help get you out the door so you can listen to the next installment of your true crime podcast, captivating thriller audiobook, or even just a motivational memoir or biography that has you hooked.
If you haven’t already, the Marathon Handbook Podcast is a great listen for your long run, with a new episode every week.
#9: Explore Trail Running
If you always run on the roads or the treadmill, trying trail running is a great way to rediscover the joy of running or start to love running in a whole new way.
Trail running tends to be more relaxed and you can become totally immersed in the beauty of nature and forget about pace.
#10: Gamify Your Workouts
As mentioned, certain running apps such as Zombies, Run! help gamify running. If you don’t like using running apps, you can also invent your own running games.
For example, you might try to find a fartlek workout where you run hard every time you see a light post and then run easy at the next one.
Or you might do a scavenger hunt run searching for a house of every color as you run, or try to identify the brands of running shoes you see on other runners as they approach as quickly as you can, testing your running gear knowledge.
#11: Mix It Up With Cross-Training
If you are really in a running rut, dropping down to running 2 to 3 days a week and cross-training 2 to 3 days per week can help make your runs feel more special.
Try swimming, cycling, elliptical, Ski Erg, or a Zumba class for a variety of cardio.
#12: Train for a New Distance
If you usually train for long distance, like marathons, consider training for a 5k, 10k, or trail running race. If you have only been training for shorter races, consider following a training program for your first half marathon.
Training for a new distance can add newness to your training program and give you different goals to work towards.
#13: Buy Some Exciting Running Gear
Every runner loves new running shoes or gear. Perhaps you have had your eye on a new GPS running watch, a hydration pack, or some running socks.
Go ahead, spoil yourself! New running gear is always a great way to have fun celebrating your hobby.
#14: Dabble With a Triathlon
Especially if you do a lot of cross-training workouts like biking and swimming, you might consider signing up for a triathlon.
Triathlons are also a great option for runners to take on a new challenge and try out a variety of disciplines.
#15: Sign Up for a Race
Beginners or casual recreational runners often feel like they are “too slow“ or “not good enough“ to run a race.
However, almost all races are open to runners of any fitness level.
The running community will welcome you no matter how fast or slow you are, and having a race on the calendar will give you more motivation to follow a training program and stick with your running routine.
There may also be a community fun run or other running events that aren’t necessarily formal races. These can be a great way to have fun while running.
#16: Try a Running Challenge
A running challenge or fitness challenge can help you have fun while accomplishing a goal that you set for yourself.
For example, maybe you want to try a running streak, or you want to try to run every street in your town within the calendar year.
While I can’t guarantee that you will necessarily love running after using some of these tips, hopefully, a few ideas will help you figure out how to make running fun in your own life so that you feel motivated to lace up your running shoes and stick with your running routine.
Check out the introduction video here and commit to creating good habits for the next 7 days:
https://marathonhandbook.teachable.com/p/7-day-motivation
