‘Eye of the Tiger’ is top of the ‘running’ pops

‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor has been voted the UK’s no. 1 song to run to according to new research released today by Cancer Research UK.

One fifth of the UK public chose the Rocky 111 soundtrack as their favourite song to run to, closely followed by Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and the American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Since U Been Gone’.

The survey was conducted to find out the ideal music for runners taking part in Cancer Research UK 10k to either run or train to. Cancer Research UK 10k, supported by Tesco, is a series of 30 10k runs across the country to raise funds for vital research to beat cancer.

The survey established that the top ten tunes to run to as voted by the British public are:

1. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
2. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
3. Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson
4. Ain’t Got No (I got Life) – Nina Simone
5. Keep on Running – Spencer Davis Group
6. Chariots of Fire – Vangelis
7. Hey Ya – Outkast
8. Ray of Light – Madonna
9. Don’t Cha – Pussy Cat Dolls
10. Wake Up Boo – The Boo Radleys

Recent research by Brunel University has shown that choosing the right music for your exercise regime can improve performance.

Dr Costas Karageorghis, a senior lecturer at Brunel and leading researcher on the effects of music in sport and exercise, commented: “Our work has shown that the best results come from music that is coordinated carefully with the nature of the task at hand and tailored to suit personal preferences. By choosing the right music, you could see an improvement in your performance of up to 18 per cent.”

Dr Linda Papadopoulos, media psychologist, commented: “Motivation is crucial to maintaining a successful training programme and in reaching your goal. Music is a great way of keeping your training programme fun, which is half the battle.”

As part of the study, Cancer Research UK asked a number of its celebrity supporters what their favourite tunes to run to are.

• Dr Gillian McKeith, nutritional research scientist – ‘Don’t Cha Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me’ by Pussy Cat Dolls and anything by the Scissor Sisters
• Jenny Frost, ex-Atomic Kitten – ‘Spinning Around’ by Kylie or ‘I’m Still Standing’ by Elton John
• Michelle Gaye, actress and singer – ‘Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough’ by Michael Jackson and ‘Crazy in Love’ by Beyonce
• Sian Lloyd, weather presenter – ‘Keep on Running’ by Spencer Davies Group

Rachel Roxburgh, head of Cancer Research UK 10k, said: “We were intrigued to find what the UK’s favourite running song was. We’ve always played music at our events but now we know that ‘Eye of The Tiger’ is what’ll really get our runners going!”

“We’ve taken the results from this survey and compiled a play list, which can be downloaded at iTunes by anyone wanting to give their training a boost.”

Cancer Research UK 10k is open to anyone over the age of 15 and entry is via the website, Cancer Research UK 10. This year Cancer Research UK is hoping to see 30,000 runners raise £3 million during September and October to help beat cancer.

Ends

For media enquiries please contact Jessica Borton in the Cancer Research UK press office on 0207 061 8492 or 0207 061 8300

Notes to Editor

• Omnibus survey of 1,000 UK adults conducted by GMI.

Cancer Research UK 10k

• Cancer Research UK 10k events take place at 30 stunning venues throughout Britain on Sundays in September and October
• For more information or to enter now visit the Cancer Research UK 10 website
• Entry costs £17.50 per runner, which includes a Cancer Research UK 10k t-shirt and medal

Cancer Research UK

• Cancer Research UK’s vision is to conquer cancer through world-class research.
• The charity works alone and in partnership with others to carry out research into the biology and causes of cancer, to develop effective treatments, improve the quality of life for cancer patients, reduce the number of people getting cancer and to provide authoritative information on cancer. Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading independent charity dedicated to research on the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer.
• For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7009 8820 or visit Our website