From trailblazing ultra-marathoners to everyday fitness storytellers, running content has taken over Instagram. These influencers don’t just rack up the miles — they inspire thousands daily with motivation, discipline, and scenic runs across the globe.
Top runners on Instagram are becoming a major force in the fitness world, especially as social media shapes how we train, recover, and stay motivated. Whether you’re looking for tips from ultra-marathon legends or relatable running lifestyle influencers, this list covers it all.
Whether it’s snowy trails or rocky terrain, AWISEE helps you reach niche, high-impact athletes across social media. Our team identifies the top runners on Instagram to follow and helps align them with your brand’s audience.
Best Trail Running Influencers to Follow on Social Media Right Now
If you’re a fan of rugged trails and off-grid challenges, you’ll want to follow influencers like Gary Robbins and Florian Neuschwander. As some of the best trail running influencers to follow on social media, they go beyond the pavement and into the wild.
With stunning landscapes, GPS watch reviews, and pacing breakdowns, their content blends expertise with visual storytelling. These athletes are goldmines for brands in outdoor gear, hydration, and performance nutrition.
Top 10 Runners on Instagram (2025 – Updated List)
| Influencer | Followers | Tier | Why Follow | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russ Cook | 1.2M+ | Mega Influencer | Ran across Africa; 360 marathons; motivational storytelling and grit | Adventure brands, endurance gear, mental strength campaigns |
| Stephen Scullion | 251K+ | Macro Influencer | Olympian; elite training tips; founder of The Jogging Room | Performance brands, coaching programs, Olympic campaigns |
| Florian Neuschwander | 165K+ | Macro Influencer | Ultra-marathoner; fast-paced training; famous for his #ballern slogan | European sportswear brands, elite endurance equipment |
| Hellah Sidibe | 304K+ | Macro Influencer | Runs daily since 2017; mixes activism and endurance content | Nonprofit campaigns, vegan athletic wear, challenge-based promotions |
| Dean Karnazes | 129K+ | Macro Influencer | Ultra-running legend; gear tips and personal insights | Book launches, hydration brands, long-distance running gear |
| Gary Robbins | 95.7K+ | Micro Influencer | Stunning trail visuals; coach behind Ridgeline Athletics | Trail brands, GPS gear, outdoor adventure campaigns |
| Marcus Brown | 32.3K+ | Micro Influencer | Hosts A Runner’s Life podcast; mindset-focused content | Podcast collabs, mental performance brands, niche endurance gear |
| Erica Agran | 25K+ | Micro Influencer | 150+ half marathons; shares giveaways, gear tips, and wellness routines | Women’s fitness brands, running tours, health-focused partnerships |
| Lars Sonnemann | 10.6K+ | Nano Influencer | Academic + runner; shares motivational blogs and reflective quotes | Academic athletic projects, local running brands |
| Tony Green | 9K+ | Nano Influencer | Runs barefoot; nature content + gear reviews via The Runninger blog | Barefoot shoe brands, nature-first athletic gear, minimalist campaigns |
1. Russ Cook – The Marathon Machine – 1.2 M+ Instagram Followers – Mega Influencer
Russ Cook ran across Africa — 10,000 miles and 360 marathons in under a year. His raw storytelling style and motivational grit have earned him a massive following and media spotlight. Russ isn’t just a runner; he’s a movement.
Best for: Adventure brands, endurance gear, mental strength campaigns
2. Stephen Scullion – The Olympian Coach – 251 K+ Instagram Followers – Macro Influencer
Olympian and founder of The Jogging Room, Stephen offers elite-level training insights. His real-world experiences and consistent content motivate runners at all levels. He embodies the spirit of Instagram athletes to follow in 2025.
Best for: Performance brands, coaching programs, Olympic campaigns
3. Florian Neuschwander – The German Speedster – 165K+ Instagram Followers – Macro Influencer
Florian is one of the top ultra-marathon runners on Instagram in 2025, showcasing breakneck-speed runs, data drops, and motivational training sessions. His signature mustache and #ballern slogan have become symbols of German endurance culture.
Best for: European sportswear brands, elite endurance equipment
4. Hellah Sidibe – The Daily Runner – 304K+ Instagram Followers – Macro Influencer
Hellah hasn’t missed a day of running since 2017. His daily posts combine endurance, positivity, and activism. As a popular fitness influencer for running, Hellah also runs a nonprofit and leverages social media to make a difference.
Best for: Nonprofit campaigns, daily challenge brands, vegan athletic wear
5. Dean Karnazes – The Ultramarathon Icon – 129 K+ Instagram Followers – Macro Influencer
Dean helped define ultra-running for a generation. His account mixes training insights, gear tips, and motivational stories. If you’re following top runners on Instagram for pure inspiration, Dean’s your guy.
Best for: Book promotions, hydration and fuel brands, endurance gear
Partner with the Best Running Influencers through AWISEE
If your brand is in the fitness or outdoor gear space, collaborating with the top runners on Instagram could be your next big growth move.
That’s where AWISEE steps in:
- Match your brand with the most authentic Instagram athletes in the running and skiing niches
- Launch custom ad campaigns for Instagram tailored to reach fitness-focused audiences
- Drive real engagement and ROI through data-driven influencer marketing strategies
Perfect for apparel, supplements, gear, and endurance brands ready to scale! Ready to scale your brand with top runners on Instagram? Contact AWISEE today and launch a campaign that delivers.
6. Gary Robbins – Trail Run Storyteller – 95.7 K+ Instagram Followers – Micro Influencer
Gary captures the essence of trail running through dramatic landscapes and storytelling. As one of the best trail running influencers to follow on social media, his Ridgeline Athletics coaching business adds to his credibility and appeal.
Best for: Trail brands, GPS tech, outdoor adventure gear
7. Marcus Brown – The Podcast Pro – 32.3 K+ Instagram Followers – Micro Influencer
Host of the A Runner’s Life podcast, Marcus blends performance, mindset, and recovery discussions into accessible Reels. He’s a running lifestyle influencer who brings depth and experience into every piece of content.
Best for: Podcast partnerships, reflective running brands, niche gear
8. Erica Agran – The Marathon Queen – 25 K+ Instagram Followers – Micro Influencer
Erica has run 150+ half marathons and 60+ marathons, and she still finds time to share giveaways, gear recs, and food tips. She’s a well-rounded voice in the best running content on Instagram category.
Best for: Women’s fitness brands, marathon tours, wellness products
9. Lars Sonnemann – The Motivational Marathoner – 10.6 K+ Instagram Followers – Nano Influencer
A full-time runner and part-time academic, Lars shares deep thoughts with every post. His motivational quotes and blog, Run with Lars, inspire followers to push limits.
Best for: Academic athletic programs, niche running brands
10. Tony Green – The Barefoot Adventurer – 9 K+ Instagram Followers – Nano Influencer
Tony explores Australia’s terrain barefoot, blending nature with minimalist endurance. He also publishes interviews, gear reviews, and nature-laced photos on The Runninger blog. If you’re after Instagram athletes to follow for nature-based endurance, Tony delivers.
Best for: Barefoot shoes, natural performance gear, minimal brands
Instagram Athletes to Follow for Daily Running Inspiration
What makes someone worth a daily follow on Instagram? Authenticity, consistency, and community. From Dean Karnazes’ endurance reflections to Erica Agran’s marathon journey, these Instagram athletes to follow offer something for everyone—whether it’s your first 5K or your fifth ultramarathon.
Their posts are a mix of scenic runs, insightful gear reviews, and daily training wins and struggles. For fans and brands alike, they represent both human stories and aspirational content.
Why Follow These Top Runners on Instagram?
Whether you’re chasing a sub-3-hour marathon or lacing up for your first 5K, these top runners on Instagram can teach, entertain, and motivate you. From popular fitness influencers for running to the best trail running influencers to follow on social media, there’s someone here for every stride.
Whether you’re launching new trail gear or partnering with top runners on Instagram, this list is your go-to for strategic impact., the Top 12 Trail Running Influencers in 2025 list is where you should start.
