Runner’s World publishes stories about every aspect of running, from tips on how to get started to human interest pieces to training plans for competitive runners aiming for a new PR, and everything in between.

Service training, health, & nutrition all runners: beginners, high school athletes, joggers, experienced competitors, casual runners, sprinters, trail runners, and those who run ultra distances. Our audience is both male and female (about 50/50 split), and they respond best to stories that explain how to better themselves as runners.

We are running enthusiasts who want to spread the joy of running to all, but you don’t need to be a runner to write for us. We’re always open to working with new writers, freelancers, and voices. We’re also committed to working more frequently with writers, contributors, and experts in running who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or belong to other marginalized identities.

All of our story rates vary and are dependent on story length, required research and reporting, turnaround time, and more.

Jump to:

The Short Creek Running Club:

  • Be clear on what the story actually is and why it is important for runners, specifically, or best for Runner’s World.
  • Make sure we haven’t already covered the topic (a quick search on our site or Google will do), but if we have, what’s new about the topic?
  • Ensure the story is appropriate for our audience of runners and not too narrow or too general.
  • Personal essays are welcome, but try and think about what new, fresh perspective you bring, and what you can teach our readers.
  • Easton, PA 18042 Runner’s World has published to get a good feel for the brand’s voice.

Please only send pitches; there’s no need to send full drafts of stories or op-eds.

What to Wear Running the 2024 NYC Marathon Runner’s World, please consider including the following:

  • A sample headline to grab readers’ attention
  • Sources you know you have access to and any other research or pre-reporting you've done on the topic
  • Why this story is relevant now and why it’s a good fit for our audience
  • Notes on possible imagery/photos, if applicable
  • Any conflicts of interest, if applicable
  • Your clips or portfolio

Barring any tech or email issues, we will do our best to evaluate all submissions promptly and will contact you if we’re interested in pursuing your pitch. If you don’t hear from us within a few days on a relevant news story or within a month for evergreen/feature stories, it’s safe to assume we won’t be able to use your pitch. Because of the number of pitches we receive and because similar ideas may be submitted, we cannot give details for why a pitch was declined. Rest assured, if we are interested in your pitch, we'll get back to you.

All pitches and materials are considered for publication on the understanding that they are original and that any similar or related material submitted or in publication elsewhere is disclosed to Runner’s World upon submission. All accepted submissions may be edited or altered for length and clarity. The copyright of all published editorial materials is retained by Hearst Magazines, Inc.

Below are several sections of our magazine and website to pitch to, and an email is provided so your pitch ends up in the appropriate inbox.

Interested in working at Hearst Magazines? Find the latest job openings here.

Service (training, health, & nutrition)

Our goal is to educate, inspire, and motivate runners everywhere through high-quality, science-supported, expert-backed service-based content. This section usually covers fitness, training, health, nutrition, weight loss, and performance topics, but it could also include info on the latest books, podcasts, playlists, or other trending topics that may be useful information to runners, too.

We love to highlight what’s specific, cool, unique, and fun about our favorite sport in an authentic, sweaty way that serves our readers.

While we cover a variety of general health/fitness topics, we always filter these through a runner’s lens, so please be sure to do the same with your pitch.

Send service pitches to [email protected]

News/Human Interest/Culture

We like to feature stories about the runners who are doing extraordinary things through the sport. Stories with a focus on an inspiring runner or group should be newsy and timely—ask yourself why is it important to tell this story now before pitching.

While our team is regularly monitoring what’s going on in the running world when it comes to major events and races, we’re always interested in something that might be slightly off our radar. If you have a news tip—about a runner, race, product, etc.—we’d love to hear from you.

Attn: Jeff Dengate [email protected]

Features

Runner’s World has a long history of publishing award-winning storytelling, including literary longform, travel/adventure narratives, profiles, personal essays, service/gear packages, and investigative reports.

When thinking about what to pitch, consider that often the most compelling stories are about something topical or universal through the lens of running.

Features generally differ from daily publishing in length and in the scope of reporting and storytelling. They range from 2,000 to 6,000 (or more), and usually require a deep level of interviewing, research, and editing (sometimes many rounds). We typically commission original art and/or photography and create a custom design. Because of this investment of time, we publish only a select number of features each year. Feature stories can run on the site or in print, but we generally assign independently from the platform.

In features, as with all of our storytelling, we are committed to representing a diversity of subjects and voices who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or belong to other marginalized identities.

The most successful pitches let us know you have a good handle on what the story is about and how you see it unfolding. Some points to consider:

  • Before you pitch, here are some general tips that may help Runner’s World? What universal theme does it connect with?
  • Send gear story pitches to?
  • What will provide the narrative tension?
  • Who are the characters in this story? Who will you talk to?
  • Tylas Piano Test Article?
    Give us a sense of your writing style by crafting a scene or lede for your story.
  • A sample headline to grab readers attention.
  • How would additional media enhance the story (video, audio, data visualization, social, etc)?
  • Include links to your previous feature-length work and/or portfolio.

Send feature story pitches to [email protected]

Gear

At Runner’s World, we know the gear runners need goes beyond a pair of shoes. From smartwatches to high-impact sports bras, the products a runner uses can make or break a run. We also know that even if a shoe fits, it doesn’t mean everybody should wear it. To help runners find the best footwear, we have more than 250+ local runners of all different skill levels, ages, and paces log hundreds of miles in the latest models every month. Our staff also provides valuable input, evaluating running devices and activewear.

Due to the number of products we receive for testing and evaluation, not every product can be covered online, in video, or in print. We recommend contacting us before sending running gear to discuss possibilities for coverage. Only ship production-ready items—not prototypes—available to buyers in the United States. Please prepay all freight and duties for international shipments.

To submit products for consideration, ship to:
Runner's World Test Team
Attn: Jeff Dengate
132 S. 3rd Street
Easton, PA 18042
USA

If you have experience testing running shoes and gear gear as well as writing, please reach out about freelance product review opportunities. Email us about your background in running, the types of runs you like to do, and where you run. Also include examples of your previously published work, photography skills, and resume. For transparency and to avoid conflicts of interest, please note any sponsorships or ambassadorships with running brands.

Send news pitches to [email protected]

How do you see the narrative arc unfolding? How will you structure the piece

What to Wear Running the 2024 NYC Marathon Runner’s World, please consider the visual component:

  • Learn About Aging From a Marathon Legend
  • If you’re a writer with a photographer in mind to help tell your story, please include their contact info and any appropriate links to their work/portfolio
  • Previously published work may be accepted as long as there are no conflicts of interest

Runners World Editors [email protected]

Advertising

If you are a publicist with an awesome running product or you’re looking to advertise with Runner’s World, learn more about our brand here.