Running is one of the simplest and most accessible sports out there. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and your choice of route, right? Well, technology has made things even easier. There are a ton of free apps that help you plan running routes anywhere in the world—even places you’ve never been before.
So what’s the best app for planning running routes? We’ve done the research so you don’t have to! We’ll break down six of our favorite options so you can find the perfect fit for your running needs.
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Planning Running Routes
If you’re like us, your smartphone is your go-to for just about everything. From capturing memories to video chatting with loved ones, the list goes on and on. It goes everywhere with us, and that includes our workouts. Whether you’re someone who prefers an at-home workout session or you’re a gym rat, there are countless apps out there to help you exercise more effectively.
At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers resolve their smartphone issues and get the most out of their favorite tech. Here are their recommendations for the best running apps, available for both iPhone® and Android™. The best part? They’re all much cheaper than hiring a personal trainer. In fact, these 10 running apps we’re about to mention all have free versions available.
- ASICS Runkeeper
One of the first running apps on the scene, ASICS Runkeeper™ is an easy-to-use app that tracks your pace, distance, calories burned, time, and more. Look back on past runs to track your progress and discover new routes near you. It’s one of the best running apps for beginners, providing basic run data to help you get into your new routine, but has straightforward info runners at every skill level will appreciate. - Map My Run
The Map My Run™ by Under Armor® app offers all the basic functionality of a running app: pace, distance, calories burned, and time, with the added benefit of linking to compatible fitness trackers and heart rate monitors. You can also input more robust data like food consumption and track the distance logged on your running shoes—the app will even alert you when it’s time for a new pair. A cool function of this app is the ability to specify the type of run (treadmill, trail, neighborhood stroll, etc.), which can be helpful when analyzing your performance. - Adidas Running App by Runtastic
Another popular app, adidas Running App by Runtastic™, is your basic running app that links to Google Earth for easy route-mapping. The analytics in this app are great, with graphs and charts depicting your progress and easy social sharing. It comes with built-in training schedules and even syncs up with Spotify™ and Pandora™ for easy music streaming. This app is great for travelers constantly running in new cities and those looking for more robust reporting of your run data. - PUMATRAC
PUMATRAC™ offers a sleek interface with all the perks of a basic running app, but with several bonus features to give a holistic view of your workouts. The app pulls in additional information that may impact your run like weather, time of day or day of the month, and synthesizes to determine personal insights. For example, you may find you run best on Friday mornings before 10, or that you run faster when listening to rock music.
Asurion image
Don’t let a broken phone ruin your day
When your phone stops working, your life shouldn’t have to. Head to your nearest store or schedule an appointment to get it fixed fast.
Schedule a repair
- Nike Run Club
You don’t have to have Nike products to enjoy the benefits of the Nike Run Club™ app. Set your running terrain (treadmill, trails, sidewalk) and the app tracks your pace, distance, calories burned, and time. The thing that sets this app apart are the gamified options that let you share your personal goals, challenge friends and beat your personal record. You can also upload a “Power Song” to play when you need an extra boost on your run. - Strava: Run, Ride, Swim
If you split your fitness routine between multiple activities, the Strava™ app is a great choice. The unique dashboards track more detailed aspects of your workout like elevation gained, plus more traditional metrics like pace, distance, and time. Other unique features are the leaderboards, achievement badges, and challenges to push you to reach your goals. This app is great for those who like to run off the beaten path and thrive with a little friendly competition. - Couch to 5K
The Couch to 5K® app is perfect for novice runners looking to get in shape and build up their running regimen in just a few short weeks. Set a goal date for your first 5K and the app will provide training schedules with 20–30 min routes three times a week until your race. The built-in pacing tells you when to walk, when to run, and coaches you through your route while gradually building stamina and strength. Choose 1 of 4 virtual coaches to keep you motivated. - Pacer Pedometer & Step Tracker
With some pedometer apps, they won’t track steps if your phone isn’t in your hand. That’s not the case with the Pacer Pedometer & Step Tracker™ app. As long as your phone is with you while you walk, jog or just while running errands (hand, pocket, or even purse), it’ll track your steps. If you’re looking for a guided workout, Pacer offers free options like Intro to Interval Walking, Full Body Strength and Daily Stretch. Pacer is also compatible with other fitness monitoring apps like Fitbit™ and MyFitnessPal™. - Zombies, Run!
With the Zombies, Run!® app, you’ll find yourself immersed in the midst of a zombie apocalypse and running to escape the lifeless monsters chasing you. The more miles you log, the more supplies you win to help your village survive. Run too slow, and the zombies catch you! This is a fun app for those looking for an exciting way to spice up their runs. - Charity Miles
Charity Miles® is a basic running app that lets you help others while taking care of yourself. Before you start your run, choose the charity you want to donate to that day—there are many to choose from, like the Wounded Warrior Project, Stand Up to Cancer, the ASPCA and more. Then, for each mile you run, walk or bike, corporate sponsors will donate to the cause of your choice. The more you run, the more they donate. Typical donations are $0.10 per mile biked and $0.25 per mile run or walked. Get the kids involved and see how much you can earn for the charity of their choice on your next family walk.
Protect your phone
For more than 25 years, Asurion has helped 300 million customers protect, connect, and enjoy the tech they love most. And smartphones are no exception. Your life is on your device, make sure it’s protected. Learn more about Asurion phone insurance plans today.
The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the respective owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.
best running apps for beginners
There’s no other natural high quite like that of a really good run. If you know that already, chances are you’re a veteran runner, but even if you’re not, we totally understand why you’d want to chase the endorphin rush that comes with. In fact, studies show that running even five to 10 minutes per day at a slow speed can reduce risks of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease. If that’s not the ultimate reason to start running, we don’t know what is!
However, most people don’t know where to start. No matter where you are in your running journey—novice, expert, or every other level of runner in between—there’s an amazing running app that can help track your progress and inspire you to keep going. Even when the going gets tough! Read on for a list of the best running apps.
Best Running Apps
- Nike+ Run Club
The Nike+ Run Club app is usually where most people start. First of all, it’s free, available on both iOS and Android, and features fun coaching features to help even the most devoted couch potatoes take to the pavement. You’ll also love that this app can sync with your Spotify, so you can listen to your favorite tracks without missing your in-app coach’s cues. And bonus: It links up with your Apple Watch, too, for hands-free running! (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases). - Human
While Human is first and foremost a running app, its strengths actually lie in its ability to also moonlight as an activity tracker. This app runs in the background at all times, tracking your fitness and activity, not unlike the Health app on iOS. Human is great at motivating users to get going and reach their daily 30 minutes of exercise, but it also compares your data to a leaderboard, too, to encourage a little healthy competition. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases). - Strava GPS Cycling and Running
Runners and bicyclists alike love Strava for its super-detailed GPS tracking. It’s one of the best apps on this list for accurately tracking your hikes, runs, and bicycle routes. While it’s totally free to use, there is a premium membership offered that also provides access to Strava’s safety feature, called Beacon. Beacon allows runners (or cyclists) to alert up to three contacts of their location. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases). - Runcoach
If tracking isn’t as important to you and what you’re really looking for is a coached run, Runcoach is perfect for training. The app itself uses an adaptive algorithm based on your prior workouts to measure your progress and the goals you should be targeting. It also features a Race Improvement Calculator option, which can come in handy for any runner planning for an upcoming marathon. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Related: 100 Best Quotes About Running
- Pacer
Pacer is a free running and pedometer app that offers accurate step tracking, personalized fitness plans, and 24/7 activity tracking. Another fun bonus is the interactive Pacer community where you can find advice, insight, and more from fellow runners. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases). - Adidas Runtastic
The Adidas Runtastic app is totally free, but it also features a premium membership (as most running apps do) for those who want more intensive coaching and tracking options. It offers training plans, in-app challenges, and tracking options for both runs and bicycle rides. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases). - TrainAsOne
An AI running app, TrainAsOne is specifically designed to not only create the best training plan for your running, but to also actually help you meet your goals. But most running apps claim to do this, right, so what makes TrainAsOne better? Well, the answer is its AI—artificial intelligence—features that more accurately measure your progress versus your goal. TrainAsOne is always updating your training plan, but if you plan on using it long-term, you may have to pay a monthly fee. It’s free, but only for a 21-day trial period. (iOS, Android, Garmin, free with in-app purchases). - ZSwift
Also popular amongst cyclists, ZSwift is designed for keeping track of indoor workouts. If you prefer running indoors on a treadmill, this may be the app for you. With this indoor running app, you run on virtual roads while your digital avatar follows along. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases). - Runkeeper
One of the most popular running apps is Runkeeper by ASICS, which has been around since 2008. Runkeeper has a ton of great features to offer, including insights, workouts and training plans, as well as trainer guidance from the pros. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Conclusion
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Check out other publications to gain access to more digital resources if you are just starting out with Flux Resource.
Also contact us today to optimize your business(s)/Brand(s) for Search Engines