Best Running YouTube Channels in 2023

If you’re looking for the best running YouTube Channels in 2023, look no further, the Fresh Brew Run Club has you covered.

YouTube continues to explode in popularity as more and more people consume more and more content on a daily basis. As a runner, I’m always looking for exciting running content on YouTube. Now after years of “research” I put together a list of the best running YouTube channels for 2023.

Now, my criteria might be a little different than other more “traditional” running YouTube content. I’m looking for channels that do more than just explain how to stretch, which speed workouts to do or scream at the camera about fartleks. Instead, I’m valuing things like entertainment, humor, inspiration, honesty and production value. Some of these creators might not even consider themselves to be “running YouTubers” in the traditional sense, but that’s what I think makes a few of them stand out from the plethora of running content on the web. In no particular order, here are a few of my favorites.

Kofuzi

Kofuzi’s humble, “non-elite” approach to creating running content is a welcome change of pace (running pun) from a lot of other content out there. His most common content is shoe reviews, but recently he’s perfected his “Runner’s Weekend” series, which covers his entire weekend at a race event, both on and off the course. Think of an extremely well done travel vlog centered around running. He’s always honest with the viewers, takes the time to reply and be a generally good dude. He also runs a live stream every weekday called the Kofuzi Run Club, which are simple conversations about numerous running-related topics, unboxings and dutifully answering questions from the chat. The livestream was recently named “The #1 running podcast to listen to while doing the dishes” by an unknown source. Check out Kofuzi’s channel here, or watch his Runner’s Weekend video for the Tokyo Marathon below:

Ben Is Running

Ben Felton is a British runner who has risen to popularity almost as fast as he’s improved as a runner, and that’s saying a lot. Ben’s perspective as someone who was previously outside the running community to becoming an incredibly talented runner shines through in his content. He’s open and honest about his training methods, results and everything in between. His calm demeanor is a breath of fresh air in a world of over-the-top YouTubers. Plus, he conveys a level of trust with his audience that few channels can achieve, especially when it comes to training programs, gear, shoes and nutrition. It feels like he’s only scratching the surface of where his content can (and will) go. Check Ben’s channel here.

Mrs. Space Cadet

Mrs. Space Cadet, otherwise known as Erin Azar, creates hilarious running-related content on her YouTube channel and other social media platforms, including a massive TikTok following. Her lightheaded approach reminds you to find the fun (and funny) in running, even when things are difficult. Her channel has documented her journey to learn the sport of running and includes “filming my progress and struggles from day 1.” Check out her channel here.

Beau Miles

Ok, now that we’ve talked about a few more “traditional” running YouTubers, lets get into some off the wall content creators. Beau Miles is an Australian YouTuber, author, philosopher and athlete, but I’d tie all that together and simply call him a storyteller. He has a way of taking settings and topics that might seem banal to the average person, and adding emotion, history and perspective that sets him apart. Not all of his videos revolve around running, although he was the first person to run the Australian Alpine Walking Trail (413 miles) and has found all sorts of ways to use running as a storytelling vehicle. If his videos don’t inspire you to go for a run and try to build something out of wood, check your pulse. Watch Beau’s stories here.

Cody Trains

I first became familiar with Cody Ko’s content back in the golden era of social media content, otherwise known as the Vine era. Since then, Cody has become a successful YouTuber, podcaster, actor and investor, but one of his more recent endeavors is my favorite. Cody Trains is a YouTube channel that Cody uses to document his training process for an Iron Man. While this is technically triathlon content, there is a great deal of running, and running-related themes such as nutrition, rest, balancing a busy schedule and the ups and downs of heavy training. What sets Cody’s content apart is his humor. His ability to find ways to laugh even during the hardest workout creates a fun, relatable and entertaining style of content that the running YouTube world needs more of, quite honestly. Energy is everything. Peep Cody’s vids here.

Virtual Running Videos

Living in the Midwest means the treadmill is an unfortunate necessity to stay in shape during the snowy months. And Virtual Running Videos has kept me from losing my mind while churning through mile after mile on the dreadmill. Their virtual runs are in interesting locations, well produced and help to take my mind off the fact that I am stuck running in a small, hot room for months on end. There’s a lot of virtual run content out there, but VRV reaches a level of consistency that I really appreciate. Get lost in a VRV here.

The Fresh Brew Run Club

Wow, how did this get on here? Oh well, better give the sales pitch. My channel was started because I found a lot of running content on YouTube somewhat unrelatable. I’m not particularly fast, but it felt like every runner with a following was breaking 2:30 in the marathon, while I struggled to finish a race without stopping (I finally did it last year!).

I wanted to create content that didn’t really talk about pace, but rather focused on the fun side of running, such as the places we run, inane challenges or the funny stuff I see along the way (or at least things I think are funny). Since starting the channel, I’ve done a lot of shoe reviews (from the perspective of a slower runner of course), started a weekly vlog and began documenting all the bad drivers I see on a daily basis. I hope to keep making content that I want to watch, and you can probably see bits and pieces of inspiration from all the YouTubers I mentioned above. Check out the FBRC YouTube channel here.

These are a few of the best running YouTube Channels in 2023, or at least my favorites. What are some of yours? Leave a comment below!

NEW VIDEO: YakTrax Run Review

My review of the YakTrax Run Review is live on YouTube.

In the latest episode of the Fresh Brew Run Club, I did a review of the YakTrax Run, a slip-on attachment to running shoes. And just like Michigan weather clockwork, a snow squall struck the day after they came in the mail. So I took them out for a spin and gave my thoughts. Thanks for watching!

First Impressions

It took a little bit for me to figure out how to get on the YakTrax Run, but after some elbow grease, I managed to slip the YakTrax over my shoes. I will note, I attached these to the Nike React Miler, which is a little wider than the average running shoe. But after loosening up the rubber, they snapped right in place. I would recommend putting the YakTrax on the floor, then positioning your foot over it to attach.

The product has metal spikes in the front part of the shoe, and what I would describe as metal chains on the heel area. The trax (I’m not sure what to call this product, so let’s call it trax), are attached to the shoe by pulling over the toe and heel, then securing it over the upper with a velcro strap.

On the Run

For my review, I went for a four-mile run just hours after about 1-2 inches of snow fell. It was in the morning, so it was pretty powdery and few sidewalks were shoveled. Since I haven’t run in the snow since, well, ever, I took it easy, so I didn’t slip and fall right out of the gate.

The YakTrax held up great. The increased traction was immediately noticeable, but I wasn’t able to really feel them on my shoes. Going from snow to sidewalk wasn’t too big of an issue either. However, when I ran on more packed down snow, I did slip a little when planting my feet. The spikes weren’t exactly long enough to get a great grip. I don’t think this is too big of an issue, as a bigger spike would probably make running in more powdery snow much more difficult.

Final Verdict

Overall, I really liked the YakTrax Run, based on my one run review. They fit great on the shoe, offered increased traction, and didn’t feel too noticeable while running. If you’re looking to keep your training going in wintry conditions, I would recommend the YakTrax Run. Check them out here.

NEW VIDEO – Shopping for Running Essentials

In today’s episode, I hit up the local REI went shopping for some of my favorite running essentials. (NOTE: I was not paid to mention any of these products, nor did I receive them for free!)

Shop my favorite essentials:

Isopure Protien Power

Blender Bottle

Body Glide

Nuun Electrolyte Tablets

Gu Chocolate Outrage

Stroop Waffles

How to Run in the Cold – New Video

A few simple tips to help you run in the cold

Running in the cold

If you’re anything like me, you dread running in cold weather. The freezing wind, the feeling of a wet shirt on my skin and the loss of feeling in my extremities all have driven me indoors in past winters. Until now. These tips on how to run in the cold will have you out on the beaten path again, no matter the temperature. Check out the latest video from Fresh Brew Run Club:

Tip #1: Dress for the Occasion

It may seem smart to layer up in cold weather, but this only creates problems down the line. As your run progresses, you will naturally warm up, start sweating and enjoy the horrors of a cold, wet shirt. Instead of packing on the layers, keep it simple. Try a base layer or two paired with a good windbreaker. Most of the cold you feel is from the wind, so eliminating contact with Jack Frost will keep you warm and dry.

Tip #2: Protect Ya Extremities

Avoid frostbite and general pain by wearing a hat, gloves and warm socks. Typically these areas of your body can feel the coldest, so covering up your head, hands and feet helps to stay warm on a run. Plus, if you get too hot, you can always put your gloves and hat in a pocket.

Tip #3: Don’t Ignore the Warmup

It may be tempting to leave your home and try to start running as soon as possible to get warm, but easing into your workout is the best way to avoid injuries and general shock to your system. I prefer a dynamic warmup instead of stretching, followed by a short warmup jog at a slow pace. It’s also a good idea to start out slow, the build up your pace about a mile or so into the run, so you are fully warmed up when you really want to push the pace.

Tip #4: Stay Hydrated

Hydration isn’t just important when it’s 95 degrees and the sun is beating down on you. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after your run in order to hit optimal performance. I like using a low-sugar sports mix. Dehydration can occur in wet and cold weather, so make sure you aren’t neglecting that water bottle!

Tip #5: Cool Down

Just like the importance of warming up, it is also crucial to do a cool down. While it might seem counterintuitive to “cool down” in cold weather, it is a crucial part of your body’s recovery process. This can be as simple as a slow jog after your run, or some additional dynamic stretching. A cheap foam roller or one of those fancy massage guns will also get your muscles primed for recovery.

That’s just a few of my tips for how to run in the cold; do you have any of your own?

Be sure to like and subscribe to Fresh Brew Run Club on YouTube, and check out a few of our other videos today!

New Video: RUNNING WITH A BACKPACK – What’s in my bag

A piping hot brew of new video is here. In today’s video, I explain why I haven’t been completely honest with my audience and what I put in my running backpack. The answer might surprise you.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe! Thanks for watching!

Check out my other videos here.