On July 31, 2025, ESPN revealed that Machine Gun Kelly’s unreleased track “Don’t Wait Run Fast” will serve as the official anthem for its 2025–2026 college football season. The song is featured on his upcoming album Lost Americana, set to release on August 8. The announcement is part of a broader rollout that includes a live fan event dubbed “MGK Day” in Cleveland, where fans can expect high-energy performances and festival-style experiences leading into the fall sports season.
For fitness enthusiasts and athletes, the choice of a high-tempo, motivational anthem goes beyond mere entertainment value. Music like MGK’s new track is shown to have tangible benefits for physical performance. Research has consistently found that upbeat, fast-paced songs can increase arousal and stamina during aerobic exercises, making workouts more enjoyable and effective. Such music often helps listeners push through fatigue, maintain a consistent pace, and even improve their mood during high-intensity sessions.
“Don’t Wait Run Fast” aligns perfectly with these benefits. Its driving beat and urgent lyrics inspire movement and momentum, making it ideal for running drills, interval training, or powering through a gym session. Athletes frequently rely on songs with a steady rhythm to synchronize movement, and this track’s tempo can support improved pacing and physical output. Moreover, the association of the song with game-day energy and competitive sports adds an emotional dimension that reinforces personal motivation.
Repeated exposure to this anthem, especially in the context of football highlights and ESPN coverage, could make it a familiar cue for performance. Whether warming up before a game, tackling a morning run, or preparing for a personal record at the gym, listeners may begin to associate “Don’t Wait Run Fast” with pushing boundaries and achieving goals.
The broader cultural connection between music and wellness is also reinforced here. As more people turn to curated playlists to fuel their fitness journeys, songs like this one serve as both inspiration and structure. They become part of the workout experience, enhancing focus and delivering emotional payoff. For MGK, known for high-octane performances and personal reinvention, the track also reflects a message of urgency and resilience—concepts that resonate strongly with health-conscious listeners.
In essence, ESPN’s use of MGK’s anthem doesn’t just promote college football—it feeds into a lifestyle of driven performance, active living, and mental tenacity. The song may dominate stadiums and screens this season, but its pulse will be just as strong in earbuds at the gym or along running trails nationwide. For those serious about pushing personal limits, “Don’t Wait Run Fast” is more than a song—it’s a soundtrack to action.
