When you first start your running journey, there’s a good chance you’ll have every intention of simply getting more active without letting it consume your life. But once you log one run or receive your first kudos, there’s no going back. You’re one of us.
Within a few weeks, you’ll know your split times better than you know your bank balance. So, choosing a running App is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. With so many options out there, it can be tricky to know which apps are worthwhile. Let’s take a look at some of the best now.
1. Strava
Why it’s great: Strava is a powerhouse in the running world. It’s a favourite among runners, cyclists, and other athletes thanks to its intuitive interface, excellent tracking features, and social networking options.
Key features:
- Tracks distance, pace, and route.
- Allows you to join challenges and connect with friends for added motivation.
- Provides detailed insights into your performance and training.
- Syncs with a variety of devices, including Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple Watch.
- Premium version includes advanced analytics like heart rate zones and personalized coaching.
Strava’s ability to integrate with multiple devices and its active user community make it a fantastic App for runners of all levels.
2. Runna
Why it’s great: Runna is very useful for runners who want more structure than simply recording their runs. Rather than just telling you how far or how fast you’ve run, it builds training plans around specific goals, from your first 5K to a marathon or beyond.
Key features:
- Personalised training plans for distances including 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon.
- Structured workouts with guidance on pace and effort.
- Strength and mobility sessions to complement your running.
- Training plans can be adapted around your schedule and experience.
- Tracks your progress throughout a training block.
- Integrates with popular running watches and fitness platforms.
Runna is a particularly good option for runners who have moved beyond simply going out for a run and want some structure around their training. But some of its more advanced features require a subscription.
3. COROS
Why it’s great: COROS is best known for its running and sports watches, but the accompanying App is a powerful training hub in its own right. It’s particularly appealing to runners who enjoy digging into their performance data and want a comprehensive picture of their training.
Key features:
- Records and analyses runs and other activities.
- Provides detailed information on pace, heart rate, cadence, elevation and other performance metrics.
- Training plans and structured workouts can be created and managed through the app.
- Tracks training load and recovery to help you understand how your body is responding to training.
- Allows runners to analyse individual workouts and monitor longer-term progress.
- Connects seamlessly with COROS watches and other compatible devices.
For runners who love data, COROS offers considerably more depth than a basic running tracker. And it’s not only for elite runners.
4. Runkeeper
Why it’s great: Owned by ASICS, Runkeeper is an easy-to-use app with a clean interface that’s perfect for runners looking to track their workouts and progress.
Key features:
- Tracks distance, time, pace, and calories burned.
- Customisable training plans for different race distances (5K, 10K, half marathon, etc.).
- Audio cues during your run to keep you informed on your progress.
- Offers a premium version with personalized insights and advanced features like heart rate tracking.
Runkeeper is ideal for runners who enjoy a simple yet effective app to track their runs and follow personalized training plans.
5. Nike Run Club (NRC)
Why it’s great: Nike Run Club is an excellent app for those who love to run and want to be part of the larger running community. It offers motivational features and an intuitive design that makes tracking runs enjoyable.
Key features:
- Tracks time, distance, and pace, and provides split data.
- Personalised coaching plans based on your goals (e.g., running a 5K or marathon).
- Audio-guided runs with motivational coaches and music playlists.
- Social features to connect with friends and join virtual runs.
- Challenges and rewards to help you stay motivated.
If you’re looking for a supportive App with a strong community vibe and motivational features, Nike Run Club is a solid choice.
6. Map My Run
Why it’s great: Map My Run by Under Armour is perfect for runners who want to explore new routes and track every mile with precision. The App provides detailed maps of your routes and helps you discover new running paths in your area.
Key features:
- Tracks your distance, pace, and route using GPS.
- Allows you to map out your own running routes or explore routes shared by other users.
- Syncs with wearables like Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple Watch.
- Integrates with MyFitnessPal to track nutrition and calories.
- Premium version offers personalized training plans and more detailed analytics.
Map My Run is great for runners who like to explore new routes and want an App that can map out those adventures for them.
7. Garmin Connect
Why it’s great: If you’re a Garmin device user, Garmin Connect is the perfect App to sync with your wearable and get a detailed overview of your runs, health stats, and progress.
Key features:
- Syncs seamlessly with Garmin watches and fitness trackers.
- Provides in-depth metrics like heart rate, cadence, and VO2 max.
- Tracks all activities, including running, cycling, swimming, and more.
- Offers detailed training plans and structured workouts.
- Social features to share your progress and connect with other Garmin users.
Garmin Connect is ideal for runners who use Garmin devices and want a comprehensive platform to track all of their workouts and fitness metrics.
8. Adidas Running (Runtastic)
Why it’s great: Adidas Running, formerly known as Runtastic, offers a great combination of features for beginner and advanced runners alike. It’s simple, effective, and packed with tools to track your progress and push yourself further.
Key features:
- Tracks distance, pace, and calories burned.
- Offers audio coaching during your runs for real-time feedback.
- Provides monthly challenges and social sharing to keep you motivated.
- Integration with wearables and other fitness apps.
- Premium version offers heart rate monitoring, advanced statistics, and personal training plans.
Adidas Running is a great choice for runners looking for an easy-to-use app with some advanced features and plenty of motivation.
9. Pacer
Why it’s great: Pacer is a fantastic App if you’re just getting started with running and want something simple and effective. It tracks steps, distance, and calories burned, and it also has walking features for those transitioning from walking to running.
Key features:
- Tracks steps, distance, calories, and weight.
- Customisable daily step goals.
- Social features to share progress with friends and family.
- Syncs with other fitness apps like Google Fit and Apple Health.
Pacer is great for beginners who want a simple App that helps track their overall activity and progress toward fitness goals.
10. The Conqueror Virtual Challenges
Why it’s great: For those who need a little extra motivation, The Conqueror App offers a fun way to track progress while completing virtual challenges. It’s a great way to gamify your running experience.
Key features:
- Virtual running challenges that track your progress toward completing iconic routes like the Great Wall of China, Mount Fuji, and more.
- Earn medals and rewards as you reach milestones in your virtual challenge.
- Syncs with other apps like Strava and Runkeeper.
- A fun way to make your runs more engaging and interactive.
The Conqueror App is perfect for runners looking to add some excitement to their workouts and track their runs through unique challenges.
The Verdict
All of the Apps above are brilliant options to take your running to the next level. Garmin, Coros, and some of the others are particularly suited to specific GPS watches and devices. But if you’re looking for a single App to track all activities (not just running) while embracing the fitness community, Strava has to be #1.
