Lorde’s cover of the iconic Tears for Fears song reimagines it as a revolutionary dirge. This creepy, unexpected rendition hits a perfect stride halfway through; if you’re fine with the slower beginning, the payoff is grand.

7. “Place for Us” by Mikky Ekko

Powerful lyrics—“Well, I’m not afraid to die here / but damned if I go on living a lie here”—are undermined by a slightly less catchy chorus, placing this song solidly in the middle of the pack.

6. “Elastic Heart” by Sia ft. The Weeknd & Diplo

Consistently rhythmic and spirited.

5. “We Remain” by Christina Aguilera

“We Remain” has grown on me. It’s unabashedly commercial: big pop for a big movie; contrary to my first impression, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “So burn me with fire / drown me with rain,” Christina belts. Run, tributes, run!

4. “Shooting Arrows At the Sky” by Santigold

The song is every bit as powerful as its title implies. You’ll feel like a human arrow yourself, released from a bow and sprinting down the Charles.

3. “Devil May Cry” by The Weeknd

The Weeknd plays this song’s hook six times over, and each time it feels as fresh and angry as before.

2. “Silhouettes” by Of Monsters and Men

The Icelandic band has several other exciting running songs, like “From Finner” and “Your Bones.” “Silhouettes” joins them, starting slow and crescendoing to a perfect leg-pumping beat.

1. “Who We Are” by Imagine Dragons

The band behind the ecstatic hit “Radioactive” returns in this equally motivating song. “We were never welcome here / we were never welcome here at all,” they chant. Don’t worry, Imagine Dragons. You’re more than welcome to come along on a run.

—Staff writer Leanna B. Ehrlich is the outgoing books exec. Her favorite running songs include Foster the People’s “Warrant,” Eric Johnson’s “Cliffs of Dover,” and the entire Lord of the Rings score. When there’s no music to be had, a sunset will do.