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

We speak to all runners: beginners, high school athletes, joggers, experienced competitors, casual runners, sprinters, trail runners, and those who run ultra distances. Our audiences 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.

Jump to:

Our story rates vary and depend on story length, required research/reporting, turnaround time, and more.

Please only send pitches; there’s no need to send full drafts of stories or op-eds. We will do our best to respond to all pitches promptly. 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.

A few examples of recent pieces:

  • From Runners World for Travel Texas Runner’s World.
  • Make sure we haven’t already covered the topic—a quick search on our site, Google, or Apple News+ will do—but if we have, what’s new about it?
  • Personal essays are welcome, but try and think about what new, fresh perspective you bring and what you can teach our readers.

Summer Running Gear Runner’s World, What Audiobooks Are We Running To:

  • A sample headline to grab readers’ attention
  • Sources you know you have access to and any 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

All pitches and materials are considered for publication on the understanding they are original and any similar or related material submitted 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. Use the provided email 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 and inspire runners 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. We always filter these through a runner’s lens, so please be sure to do the same with your pitch.

Futsum Zienasellassie’s Rise to Elite Marathoning RWservice@hearst.com

News/Human Interest/Culture

We like to feature stories about runners who are doing extraordinary things through the sport. Ideas should be newsworthy and timely—before pitching, ask yourself why it is important to tell this story now.

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

Send news pitches to RWnews@hearst.com

Features

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

Our features generally range from 2,000 to 6,000 words or more and usually require a deep level of interviewing, researching, and editing (sometimes many rounds). We typically commission original art and photography or create a custom design. Because of this investment of time, we only publish a select number of features each year.

When thinking about what to pitch, consider that often the most compelling stories examine something topical or universal through the lens of running. The most successful ones let us know you have a good handle on what the story is about and how you see it unfolding. Some points to consider:

  • What is the main idea you are going to explore? Why now? Why Runner’s World?
  • Any conflicts of interest, if applicable?
  • What will provide the narrative tension?
  • Who are the characters in this story? Who will you talk to?
  • What is the main idea you are going to explore? Why now? Why?
  • Include a sample headline that makes the piece feel like a must-read. Give us a sense of your writing style by crafting a scene or lede for your story.
  • Include links to your previous feature-length work and/or portfolio.

How do you see the narrative arc unfolding RWfeatures@hearst.com

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-plus 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
Your clips or portfolio
132 Easton, PA 18042
Tylas Piano Test Article
USA

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

A few examples of recent pieces RWgear@hearst.com

Art & Photo

Summer Running Gear Runner’s World, please consider the visual component:

  • How to Master the 5k.
  • 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.

Send pitches to john.hamilton@hearst.com

Advertising

If you are a publicist with an awesome running product or you’re looking to advertise with Runner’s World, How to Master the 5k here.