Listen up, Runnas. If the first best thing about running is lacing up and taking on the tarmac, then the second best is the running community. It’s about being inspired and motivated by the other people in this space; the ones who know how you feel, understand what you’re talking about and have experienced the highs, lows, struggles and success you’ve been through. But here’s the best part: you can get your dose of that runner's high even when you're not pounding the pavement by hitting that "follow" button on Instagram and creating a feed that gives you all the running feels.
The way we see it, every runner needs to surround themselves with an uplifting community of inspiring individuals who are crushing their running goals. Think of it as your own personal cheerleading squad. That place to go when you're feeling sluggish, demotivated or stuck in a running rut, where a simple scroll down your feed can reignite the fire within you.
From endurance enthusiasts to marathon specialists, everyday runners sharing their personal triumphs to real runners that make you laugh, we’ve pulled together a list of accounts to remind you that you're not alone in your journey. Their stories of overcoming obstacles, pushing boundaries and achieving greatness will inspire you to push past your own limits and strive for new heights. So, whether it's a breathtaking running view, a heartfelt post-race reflection, or a simple reminder to embrace the joy of the run, here are 9 inspiring individuals every runner should be following. It’s time to unlock your potential and make your feed a place of motivation.
Eliud Kipchoge: @kipchogeeliud
Summary: World-record-breaking marathon runner and Olympic gold medalist offers insights into his training, races and inspirational quotes.
If you're seeking the ultimate dose of running inspiration, look no further than the legendary Eliud Kipchoge. This record-breaking marathoner (and all-around running icon) will take your motivation to new heights for the simple fact his feed is like having a front-row seat to pure greatness. With each post, he shares glimpses into his training routines, shares wisdom gained from his extraordinary career and spreads a contagious passion for the sport with the aim of doing good through running. What’s not to love?
From breathtaking race photos to heartfelt reflections on his running journey, Eliud Kipchoge's Instagram presence is a must-follow for every runner seeking to push their limits and soar to new heights. Get ready to be inspired, motivated and encouraged to chase your dreams with the unwavering determination of a true running legend.
Shalane Flanagan: @shalaneflanagan
Welcome to one of the best behind-the-scenes sneak peeks into the world of elite running you could ever wish for. A mom, Nike coach, four-time Olympian, Olympic silver medalist, NYC Marathon champion and a NYTimes best-selling, this is one IG page you absolutely need to hit that follow button on.
A goldmine of motivation, Shalane shares details about her training insights, personal triumphs and words of wisdom that will make you believe in the power of chasing your dreams. From epic race photos to snapshots of her training regime (and even some mouth-watering glimpses into her nourishing meals), Shalane Instagram is a treasure trove of inspiration for runners of all levels. Now get ready to be uplifted, motivated and encouraged to push through your barriers and strive to be the best runner you can.
Russ Cook: @hardestgeezer
This guy doesn’t beat around the bush, so neither will we. At the time of writing this, Russ Cook is 33 days into the ultimate challenge: to become the first person to run the entire length of Africa. To put that into numbers, he will be running 360 marathons in 240 days as he attempts to put one foot in front of the other for 14,500km - from the tip of South Africa to the top of Tunisia - crossing 16 borders and running across every type of terrain imaginable, from city streets to rainforest peaks, and even a three-month stretch in the Sahara desert.
But the reason to follow this madman is his infectious energy. Good days or bad, his stories are a no-filtered insight into this tortuous quest as he showcases the brutal reality of what each day entails. The dire days where it’s him versus the hot African sun with no shade in sight to those moments of magic, where dozens of locals join him though the streets of Windhoek as a police escort guides them on. This really is a journey you want to tag along for.
Des Linden: @des_linden
When it comes to role-models, it’s hard to find a more balanced, elite athlete than Des Linden. Building a reputation for crushing it, this long-distance runner is not only a Boston Marathon champion, but also a two-time US Olympian. And the best part: she is also a coffee aficionado, whiskey connoisseur, music junkie, book nerd and travel enthusiast, meaning there’s plenty to digest on her feed.
But the bottom line of what she is all about is simple: she captures the essence of perseverance, grit and unwavering determination. That’s because Des shares a raw and authentic perspective that will resonate with every runner, with captions that are filled with practical tips, mental strategies and insightful advice that will help you navigate your own running challenges.
Joshua Patterson: @joshuapatterson_jp
If you're searching for a dose of inspiration and a glimpse into the world of running from a unique perspective, look no further than our very own Josh Patterson; the man who takes on the impossible in the hope of raising awareness around Mental Health. To break it down quickly, Josh has completed John O’Groats to Lands End in a wheelchair, run four marathons in 24 hours around his 14ft patio, became the first person to run a marathon in all for UK countries in in 24 hours and, to top it all of, broke another world-record when he recently ran 76 marathons in 76 consecutive days in each of the UKs 76 cities. The ups, the downs, the anxieties and success, the injuries and optimism and, yeah, the phoenix himself – Josh shares it all on his page.
From his training to his diet, his recovery methods to his mindset, and that is the reason to follow this truly incredible individual. Now get ready to be inspired, find your own challenge, hit the trails, unlock your full running potential and explore the real meaning behind personal growth.
William Goodge: @williamgoodge
Not so long ago, you would be forgiven for dropping Will into the category titled “rising stars”. But these days, Will has become a bonafide endurance athlete that knows the power of community. Ready for his CV? Let’s do it. A British-born ultrarunner, Will has run from John O’Groats to Land's End, raced across the Sahara and done 48 marathons in 30 days. But right now, this very second, he is in the middle of his greatest challenge yet: running from LA to NYC in a 3,175-mile test of endurance, stamina, willpower and true grit as he runs 50km a day for 64 days.
There have been deserts, mountains and everything in between, all packaged into some of the greatest insights you can ever hope to devour. From his recovery tactics to some of the mad moments he’s encountered, his Instagram feed, stories and weekly round-up videos are as addictive as that fabled runner’s high. Trust us: you’re about to feel like you're part of something bigger as you follow his transcontinental test.
Beth Potter: @bethpotter91
Olympian. Commonwealth Games. European champion. And, to top it all off, she also held the world record for fastest road 5K, running it in 14:41. Basically, if you're a runner looking for inspiration, motivation and some insights into what it takes to perform at the very highest level, you need to hit that follow button on Beth Potter's IG. Creating is a treasure trove of epic race moments, training tips, her progress on the world stage, a transition from running to triathlons, and a glimpse into the training regimen required to be the best, this is a feed worth following.
And the best part: it's not just about the miles and medals because Beth's infectious positivity and down-to-earth demeanor are what make her posts so valuable. She's all about empowering others, fostering a sense of community, taking you inside race weeks and guiding you on what it takes to be a triathlete at any level.
Sophie Grace Holmes: @sophiegraceholmes
This is for anyone that values the investment that is self-growth and has a soft spot for inspirational stories because Sophie has bossed both. Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at four months old, Sophie was told from a young age she might not make it to 30, let alone her teens. Fast-forward to the here and now, and Sophie is a fitness coach, public speaker, influencer, ultra endurance athlete, nutrition coach and businesswoman in what has been one of the most empowering and inspirational journeys. That’s what her Instagram is all about: inspiring you to chase your wildest dreams. After all, that’s exactly what she has done.
Sophie has achieved things that she was told would be impossible for someone with her condition, from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc to paddle boarding from the Bahamas to Florida, completing numerous Ultramarathons, taking on triathlons around the world and creating a vibrant collage of epic race moments, scenic trails, valuable insights into living with Cystic Fibrosis and taking you on a behind-the-scenes look at her running training that will leave you itching to hit the trails.
David Goggins: @davidgoggins
If you’re a runner, you’ve no doubt heard of David Goggins. Indisputably one of the world’s best endurance athletes, he has a running resumé that is second to none. Once a Navy SEAL, Goggins has completed over 60 ultra-marathons, triathlons, and ultra-triathlons, setting new course records, regularly placing in the top five and taking home the top spot on several occasions. Basically, he’s a man that loves a challenge. Ready for this? He came 2nd at the Ultraman World Championships, 3rd at the Badwater Ultramarathon (one of the toughest events on the planet), won the Infinitus 88K by 20 minutes, ran 101 miles in under 19 hours and completed the Las Vegas Marathon in a time that qualified him for the Boston Marathon.
But trust us when we say, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Yeah, David Goggins is a force of nature in the running world, and his Instagram feed is a testament to his unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit. From jaw-dropping ultra-marathon achievements to intense workout snapshots, his posts will ignite a fire within you to push your limits and conquer any obstacle in your path. But it's not just about physical prowess. David's raw authenticity and unapologetic mindset will challenge you to break free from your comfort zone and unlock your true potential. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and unleash the warrior within.
Thanks for reading our 9 Inspiring runners everyone should follow. For more running insights, inspirations, stories and techniques, follow us on Instagram to take your runs to the next level.
