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A few weeks ago, we asked runners to recommend their favorite PowerSongs to motivate participants training for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. We also posed the question as a poll onsite at the Chicago Marathon Expo, with the ultimate goal being a master compilation of the top PowerSongs used by Chi-town racers this year. And now we have the results!

The following playlist is a tried-and-true selection of songs chosen by 2009 Chicago Marathoners — PowerSongs that were then actually played at Miles 22 and 24 of the race to provide an extra boost of adrenalin when it was needed most. Download it for yourself and run the race all over again… or maybe just go for a 4-miler easy.

Chicago Marathon PowerSongs (Ranked in Order of Popularity)

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#1: I Gotta Feeling
What is it about songs that talk about working for the weekend or “tonight being a good night” that motivates people to work out harder? Is it the idea that you’re gonna look hot this evening or that you’ll have less guilt because you burned a thousand calories before replacing them with “empty” ones? Who cares, really. It works.

#2: Don't Stop Believin'
This is a classic song that just reeks of blue collars drenched in sweat (and cheap perfume) and pulling yourself up by the bootstraps — or the shoelaces…

#3: Beautiful Day
The most optimistic message ever put on tape: “On the road, but you’ve got no destination… It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away!” When the chorus drops, it makes year heart pound in time with your feet.

#4: Welcome to the Jungle
The primal scream at the beginning of this rocker, combined with a guitar lick that sounds like it was crafted at the crossroads, will literally blow your hair back. Watch out for lightening bolts shooting from your heels.

#5: Born to Run
This is one of those songs that’s been on every runner’s mind since it was released back in 1975 — it’s probably the most iconic track in the history of rock ‘n roll to actually have the word “run” in it, not to mention that it’s a masterpiece of the “blue collar” genre mentioned on track 2.

#6: Eye of the Tiger
And while we’re on the subject of working-class rock, there’s really nothing like the ‘80s electric guitar staccato and the first “Rising up!” lyric in this cut to make your pull on some old sweats and go tenderize a side of beef with your fists. Or go running.

#7: Just Dance
This is one of those high-energy party songs that also just happens to be great for doing really healthy activities too. I’ve done my own version of the lyrics: “Just RUN! I love this record baby, but I can’t run straight anymore…” Never mind.

#8: Mr. Brightside
Besides the amazing pop/rock hook and driving beats, this song motivates people through an impassioned chorus. Nothing like memories of jealousy to tap into some primal desire to run full speed and never look back.

#9: A-Punk
Of all the songs on the list, this one is actually closest to the “average” tempo of a runner’s stride: Somewhere between 170-180 BPM. “Look outside the raincoats gone!” That means it’s sunny. That means you should be running!

#10: Pump It
Are you kidding me? The intro of this track brings to mind some ultra-violent pulp film, the beats are bumping, and the rhymes are totally infectious. This song literally tells you to pump it up. Again and again and again. Dare you refuse?

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