Runner’s World Magazine Is Accepting Pitches/How To Submit (Pay: $350-$5,000)

Runner’s World is a magazine and website dedicated to running, offering readers content on every aspect of the sport, including tips for beginners, training plans for competitive runners, and human interest stories.

They welcome pitches from writers, including freelancers, and aim to publish stories that inspire and motivate all types of runners.

Their content covers a wide range of topics, from fitness and nutrition to human interest pieces and investigative features. If you are having a problem with your writing, please read this article: How to Overcome Writer’s Block (10 Tips + Personal Examples) 

Submission Guidelines For Runner’s World Magazine 

• Writers interested in submitting should focus on the needs of Runner’s World’s audience, which includes a diverse range of runners, from casual joggers to experienced competitors.

• Pitches should be clear and explain why the story is relevant specifically for runners.

• Writers are encouraged to check the website for similar content to avoid redundancy and to ensure their pitches bring fresh perspectives.

Submissions should include:  

• A sample headline  
• Information on sources and any pre-reporting done  
• An explanation of why the story is timely and relevant for runners  
• Notes on imagery, if applicable  
• Links to previous work or a portfolio  

Pitches are reviewed promptly, though writers should allow a few days for news stories and up to a month for features before assuming the pitch was not accepted.

What Runner’s World Magazine Wants

1. Service Content (Training, Health, Nutrition): High-quality, science-backed stories on fitness, nutrition, health, weight loss, and performance, all filtered through the perspective of a runner. They also accept stories on the latest running-related books, podcasts, and playlists.  
2. News/Human Interest/Culture: Inspiring stories about runners or running communities, with a focus on why the story matters now. Timeliness is key for news stories.  
3. Features: Longform, in-depth stories between 2,000-6,000 words, including profiles, travel/adventure narratives, personal essays, and investigative reports. These stories should be rich in detail, with a clear narrative arc and diverse subjects.  
4. Art/Photo: Visuals are important to Runner’s World. Writers are encouraged to suggest relevant imagery or collaborate with photographers. Freelance photographers can also pitch visual projects.

What They Don’t Want  

Runner’s World Magazine doesn’t want:

• Redundant content that has already been covered on the site unless there is a new angle.  
• Stories that are too general or too niche for the broad running audience.  
• Full drafts of stories at the pitching stage. Only pitches are needed initially.  

Eligibility Criteria  

Runner’s World is committed to working with writers from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, and encourages submissions from writers who bring fresh perspectives to the running world.

Read: How To Write A Story 

Author Rights  

Once a story is accepted, all materials may be edited for length and clarity. Hearst Magazines, Inc. retains copyright for all published material.

Writers are expected to submit original work and disclose any material that may have been published elsewhere or is under consideration by another publication.

Payment  

According to their health and fitness director, they pay $350 to $5,000 per story depending on length, research/reporting, turnaround time, etc.

Contact Information  

Training-Health-Nutrition: hmdrwservice@hearst.com  

News-Culture Stories: hmdrwnews@hearst.com  

Feature Stories: hmdrwfeatures@hearst.com  

Art/Photo: hmdrwphoto@hearst.com

Writers are encouraged to check out the latest issues of Runner’s World to familiarize themselves with the brand’s voice before pitching.