No matter whether you are a beginner lacing up for your first run, a fitness freak, or a seasoned sprinter, the best running apps can help you track your progress and achieve your goals. A running app generally tracks performance metrics such as distance, pace, mileage, and health metrics like heart rate, calories burned, etc. to name a few.
When you look for the best running tracker apps, you will find it exhausting as tons of running apps are out there to choose from. You cannot find the right one that suit every runs. So, to help find the one for you and save yourself from hours of research online, we have reviewed and handpicked 10 of the best apps for running in different situations.
Without further ado, let’s dive right into the list.
Contents
Best Running Apps of 2024
1. RunKeeper
RunKeeper is one of the most popular and best running apps for all fitness levels. Its long-standing popularity is because of its accuracy, simplicity, and its wide range of advanced features. RunKeeper uses your phone’s GPS to track your distance, pace, time, etc. and allows you to create your own running routines by making use of the pre-programmed routes.
While keeping the simplicity, RunKeeper also provides you with a multitude of training plans, personalized running routes, turn-by-turn directions, and monthly challenges to help you achieve your running goals. As it is one of the most popular running apps, it can support and sync with other fitness apps and devices such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit to view detailed reports and the history of your activities.
Download RunKeeper: Android | iOS
2. Strava
If you are a competitive runner and love group challenges like the fastest 100 m or the fastest 5k runs, then this is the one you’re looking for! Strava comes with a lot of features that lets you compare your performance with other runners and track your progress.
That being said, don’t let this demotivate you if you are a beginner. Strava has all the basic features that you’d expect from most running apps such as distance, speed, time, step counting, and other performance analytics.
Strava’s safety feature called Strava Beacon lets you add up to three people to know your running location, and they don’t necessarily need an have the app installed or be Strava members.
Download Strava: Android | iOS
3. MapMyRun
Map My Run is a comprehensive runner tracking app backed by the world’s largest digital health and fitness community. The app allows you to keep an eye on your runs, find suitable running routes (route planning), and assess your performance regularly.
An interesting thing is that you can add your running shoes to the app and it will automatically notify you when it is time to buy a new pair of shoes. This way you’ll get to know when you actually need to replace your shoes to improve your performance.
The app can measure your real-time statistics and the total performance at the end of a run. It supports a large number of other apps and running gears to sync your workout data with Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin devices, etc. to get the most out of it. A premium subscription to the app will open up access to voice coaching, and location sharing feature and removes ads.
Download MapMyRun: Android | iOS
4. C25K 5K Trainer
If you are a beginner who needs proper training for a 5K running course, then this is the one you are looking for. This app is tailored for entry-level runners training to help them become 5K runners within 8 weeks!
With pre-designed workout plans, the Couch to 5K app will train you three times per week and provides you a detailed statistics and progress. Each workout sessions are about 30-40 minutes long including a 5-minute warm-up and cool-down times.
As it is perfect for beginners; it all starts with a mix of both running and walking so that new runners can gradually build up stamina and make running a habit with ease. One of the remarkable features of the app is its audio coaching alerts to keep you motivated throughout your running journey.
Download Couch to 5K: Android | iOS
5. Running by Daily Burn
Whether you need training for losing weight or running your first 5K, Daily Burn’s Running can design a personalized weekly training schedule to achieve your goals. It provides you unlimited training with a variety of challenges, new runs, and access training plans every week.
Running not only provides you with group workout sessions but also one-on-one personal trainers too. For personal coaching, all you need is to pop up your earbuds and follow the audio prompts. It will guide you through every jog, sprint, and straightaway. From the audio coach, you will know when to slow down and pick up the pace.
If you are looking for a treadmill running app for indoor running training or weight loss, Daily Burn’s Running with being the best best for you as it can provide specific instructions for treadmill workouts.
Its video guide will help you warn up and recover properly like a pro! They are specifically designed for runners targeting specific muscle groups to reduce muscle problems and keep you ready for your next run.
Download Running: iOS
6. Stride
Stride is a relatively new health app for runners which allows you to track your running and walking via GPS on your phone. No matter whether you are walking, training for a marathon, or hiking on the weekend, you can keep track of your activity on your mobile and claim the locations you visit.
Its free version is more like a game that lets you play with your neighbors to own the most titles. With Stride, you can join thousands of neighboring runners who can compete to own your town or city.
The stride running app is not that suitable for serious runners as it won’t provide you with any sort of training schedules/ personalized running plans or detailed running metrics. But it’s a cool app if you want to make your regular running routine more fun with your local running club. Its in-app purchases for a year starting from only $29.99 per month to access more advanced features.
Download Stride: Android | iOS
7. Nike+ Run Club
Nike+ Run Club is simply the best running app for Apple Watch owners. It provides free voice-guided workouts, GPS tracking features, running challenges, etc. to make you feel motivated and guided to achieve your goals.
The app is brilliantly designed for both beginners and experienced runners, which makes it an all-around application to track your runs, play music, and network with other runners. Additionally, it comes with listen-to audio features that let you play the voices sent by your friends and other runners and get inspiration from pro athletes to stay motivated and focused on your goals.
Download Nike Run Club app: Android | iOS
8. Charity Miles
Charity Miles is a platform for runners to donate money to a charity and stay healthy at the same time. You can open the free app, choose a charity and you’ll start running to raise money with each mile you run, walk or hike.
It provides additional facilities to form teams with your running friends to start fundraising efforts. To stay motivated with your goals, the Charity Miles app with alerts you with reminder notifications to run and raise money.
Download Charity Miles: Android | iOS
9. MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is one the best running apps for weight loss, you can keep tracking the calories burned and calories left to burn based on your daily calorie goals.
With the app, you can record your fitness and weight loss progress and share it with your friends so that you can hold accountability without losing your motivation. It can sync up to 50 other devices and apps like Fitbit, RunKeeper, Strava, etc.
Download MyFitnessPal: Android | iOS
10. Adidas Running
Adidas Running (formerly Runtastic) is the best running app for marathoners to have training runs, save progress, etc. in a single place. The app motivates you to beat your own records by starting a training plan, challenging yourself, and getting stronger with every workout.
Runtastic’s built-in GPS tracker, pedometer, and mile tracker allow you to precisely track your distance and performance metrics like pace, calories, etc. on your activities such as walking, running, other sports, and cardio workouts.
Download Adidas Running (Runtastic): Android | iOS
A Good Running App Can Help Crush Your Goals
Now that you know what are the best running apps for your specific needs. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran runner, you will find these apps helpful to achieve your goals.
Now, it’s your turn to choose the best running coach for your specific needs. If you are serious about your fitness you can even purchase a premium version of the app as most of the popular apps provide premium features and helpful tips only with in-app purchases or the paid version. Both monthly and yearly subscriptions will be available in almost all apps.
Whatever the run trackers you choose as your running partner, follow a proper and strict training plan, be consistent on what you do, and stay motivated and focused on your goals. After all, consistency and continuous progress are the keys to crushing your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best running app for beginners?
The best running app for beginners is C25K (Couch to 5K) Tariner.
What is the Best running app 2022?
The overall best running app for 2022 is RunKeeper.
What is the best 5K running app?
The best 5K running trainer app is C25K Trainer.
How many days a week should I run?
Its recommended to run 3-4 days a week on alternating days.
How far should I run as a beginner?
As a beginner you can start with 2-3 runs per week at about 30 minutes (2-3 miles) per run.
