It’s important to stay in shape and exercise is a crucial part of that. If you don’t like going to the gym, running is a great way to get in your daily workout.
These apps will help you keep track of your running sessions and make sure you’re getting the best out of your runs.
Running is a great form of exercise. It can help you stay in shape and feel great. But it can also be difficult to keep track of all those miles! That’s where these apps come into play! They’ll help you monitor your progress so that you’re always getting the best out of every run.
Best Apps For Running Iphone
Track your run with the best running apps on iOS, including workout trackers, route builders, specialty biometric trackers, and unique music apps. If you’re a serious runner, you’ll want these running apps on your iPhone.
01
of 11
Basic Workout Tracking: Runkeeper
Runkeeper App
What We Like
Easy-to-use app interface for run tracking
Capture the essentials with minimal setup
Optional auto-tracking logs all your workouts
What We Don’t Like
Serious runners will miss more detailed training options
Limited inclusion of detailed data like heart rate and breathing rate
No route building or tracking features
Runkeeper is a great run tracking application for most runners. Serious runners might miss more advanced features, but the app strikes the right balance between power and usability.
Track workouts with pace, distance, and GPS mapping; live voice feedback with multiple voices provides updates on distance and speed. Goals, social challenges, and race training options help you reach your running goals, and a well-designed interface keeps things from getting cluttered.
Download Runkeeper
02
of 11
Route Creator and Tracker: Map My Run
Map My Run app
What We Like
Route discovery feature provides fresh courses
Route Genius generates new routes with AI
Voice tracking provides live updates on pace, distance, and route
What We Don’t Like
Most useful features are locked behind a paywall
Free version is ad-supported, with banner and interstitial ads.
Map My Run’s workout tracking includes all the basics like pace, time, distance, and mapping, as well as social sharing and live tracking of in progress workouts. However, the best feature is route discovery and creation. The paid tier can autogenerate routes with Route Genius, and any user can find and run nearby routes.
Download Map My Run
03
of 11
A Commuinty of Athletes: Strava
Strava app
What We Like
Relative effort tracking helps compare workouts
Route building and tracking available with Strava.com
Substantial social network of serious athletes
What We Don’t Like
Limited audio feedback options
No live coaching options
With Strava, you can track your duration, pace, and distance, as well as attach photos and share workouts with your friends and family. Create your own routes on Strava.com, then run them with audio guidance from the app. The best feature is the Strava community, a large and earnest group of professional competitors and serious amateurs training side-by-side.
Download Strava
04
of 11
Getting Started: Couch to 5K
Couch to 5K app
What We Like
Running plan is ideal for first-time runners
Human voice coaching keeps you on pace and motivated
Access an encouraging community of new runners to support you
What We Don’t Like
Experienced runners won’t find the training useful
Workout tracking features don’t integrate with other tracking apps
If you’re a new runner, you can get the motivation and guidance you need from Couch to 5K. The workouts start gradually, gently increasing the difficulty and duration and targeting race day. It’s the best way for new runners to get acquainted with the sport.
The beginning workouts are designed especially for first-time runners with low-impact, but highly-effective introductory workouts. If you want to run, but you’re scared to start, C25K is the best way to get moving.
Download Couch to 5K
05
of 11
Run to the Beat of Your Heart: Zones
Zones app
What We Like
Provides high-caliber training methodology to all runners
Deep, precise insights into physical performance
Zone training helps stretch your limits by finding and exceeding them
What We Don’t Like
Requires a heart rate monitor to be useful
Doesn’t integrate with other training programs
Statistics and graphs are locked to the paid version
Most runners track their pace based on minutes per mile, but that’s not the only way. If you track your pace based on heart rate and oxygen capacity, you can more precisely target specific fitness goals. Zones tracks your heart rate and provides audio feedback to meet your running goals based on pre-designed exertion curves.
Download Zones
06
of 11
Train for Your Next Race: Nike Run Club
Nike Run Club app
What We Like
Audio encouragement makes a big difference in run motivation
Live workout publishing so your friends can cheer you on
Audio coaching from pro athletes and runners
Database of local clubs for major global cities
What We Don’t Like
Personal information is archived by Nike indefinitely
Tracking can sometimes crash
Nike Run Club is a workout tracker that helps you get pumped up, with features like end-of-workout encouragement from athletes and voice coaching from famous entertainers. Guided runs provide audio feedback for specific run types, and coaching generates workouts to help you reach your goals.
Download Nike Run Club
07
of 11
Real Coaches For Real Improvement: Runcoach
RunCoach app
What We Like
Real human coaches are far better than AI coaches
Incorporates past workout data and current goals to produce customized plans
Weekly workout plans are detailed and robust
What We Don’t Like
Requires a disciplined commitment in order to get the most benefit
Human coach communication only available in paid version
Runcoach provides real coaching services with modern technology, producing meaningful coaching routines with human coaches. It incorporates past workouts to formulate a weekly plan that improves fitness, distance, or speed.
You’re connected with a real human expert who creates your training plan for you with Runcoach’s tools. The paid service includes a free two-week trial, during which you can test out the service to make sure the coaching is up to snuff.
Download Runcoach
08
of 11
Run to the Beat: Weav Run
Weav Run app
What We Like
Music for nearly every running pace
Quickly detects and seamlessly adapts to pace changes
Integrates with Strava to track workouts
What We Don’t Like
Music choices lean heavily on electronica, EDM, and hip-hop
No ability to include custom tracks or music
“Running to music is awesome, but running to the beat is magic.” That’s Weav Run’s apt description of itself. The app matches music to your current running cadence by detecting your pace and matching the music by digitally tweaking the tempo or changing tracks. The free service is limited, so full-time users will need to pay for a subscription.
Download Weav Run
09
of 11
Plan Your Route: Footpath Route Planner
Footpath Route Planner app
What We Like
Drag-based path building is intuitive and capable
Accurate route-snapping requires only basic doodling skills
Turn-by-turn audio directions keep you on track without looking at your phone’s screen
What We Don’t Like
Route planning in detailed areas can be tedious
Topographic maps require monthly subscription fees
With Footpath Root Planner, you can create running and hiking routes by dragging on a map of an area. Snap to roads and trails for quick mileage calculations, or manually draw your route. With turn-by-turn directions, you’ll get live navigation updates that keep you on track, which are crucial if you’re off the beaten path.
Download Footpath Route Planner
10
of 11
Get Faster: Intervals
Intervals app
What We Like
Capable user interface for building and editing timers
Interval workout templates specifically for running
Customizable audio prompts for tracking workouts
What We Don’t Like
Paid version of the app is required to set custom timers
Essentially a supercharged stopwatch
Interval training, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), is a way of structuring intense and closely timed workouts, alternating brief and intense periods of activity with short periods of rest. With Intervals, you can build structured timers to track custom workouts. With the paid version of the app, you can use interval templates built specifically for runners.
Download Intervals
11
of 11
Stay Safe Out There: ROAD iD
Road ID app
What We Like
Friends and family can find an overdue runner or track location live with timed eCrumbs
Medical information can be saved within the app
What We Don’t Like
First responders aren’t likely to check your phone’s apps for medical information if you need rescue
Tracking only works so long as your phone has a GPS and data connection
ROAD iD makes sure you don’t go missing while running. It sends digital tracking information, called “eCrumbs” to friends or family. With this, they can see your current location and help find you if you get lost. If you run late at night or in dangerous or remote areas, ROAD iD is a good hedge against becoming a statistic.
best free running apps for android
Whether you’re new to pouding the pavement or training for a marathon, these totally free running apps will be a godsend. From tracking your distance to offering real-time coaching, these running apps — including Couch to 5K, Strava, and more — are designed to help you reach your goals in a way that works for you — no matter your skill level. Scroll to discover the best running apps available, then download one (…or two) and start breaking a sweat.
START SLIDESHOW
Runkeeper, powered by Asics, is one of the most popular and efficient free running apps out there. It’s a feature-rich app that enables GPS tracking, distance, speed monitoring, caloric output, and activity history, and even lets you cue up your favorite playlist from iTunes or Spotify. You can use it just as a run tracker or for multiple other sports, including cycling, hiking, skiing, and swimming. You can even use the app to follow along with a training plan and participate in virtual races. Bonus: The app can sync up your fitness trackers (like a Garmin or Fitbit) or you can load the app onto your Apple Watch and leave your phone at home.
Upgrade to premium to take advantage of race-training plans from the ASICS Institute of Sport Science, more detailed progress insights (like side-by-side workout comparisons and weather data), prescribed workouts, and live run tracking. (P.S. these other running apps can also help you train for a specific race.)
Get it on iOS or Android
Under Armour’s MapMyRun running app makes running fun and easy by turning your device into a social training partner while using your phone’s GPS to track your distance and route (or use 400+ devices that can connect directly to the app). Add your current pair of sneaks to the app’s Gear Tracker, too, and you can more easily keep track of how many miles you’ve logged with those shoes. (FYI, this is how often you should replace your running sneakers.) You can easily connect to friends and family (and the other millions of MapMyRun users) via Facebook and Twitter as well as join challenging competitions on MapMyRun’s homepage. Prizes are given away (!!) for certain challenges so it’s good to consistently check their website. (This added incentive makes it a great running-for-weight-loss app because it’ll help keep you accountable.)
One cool feature that most running apps don’t offer: If you head over to the MapMyRun webpage on your desktop to trace out a route to help plan your next run.
Get it on iOS or Android
The Nike+ Run Club app is just as ~cool~ as the brand’s hottest running sneakers. The free running app packs all the usual features (GPS tracking, stats, community sharing, leaderboards, challenges, etc.) but offer some sweet add-ons that you can’t get anywhere else. For one, the Nike running app offers guided audio runs that can take you on a speed workout, tell you a story, or even guide you through mindful running with the help of meditation app Headspace. You get kudos and motivational quotes from Nike’s top trainers right in your ear, and can even get mid-run cheers from friends on the running app.
Crushed your latest training run? Nike’s app makes run sharing almost as visual as Instagram: Snap a photo before, during, or after your run, then add stickers with your run route or stats, graphics, and — obv — the “Just Do It” tagline.
Get it on iOS or Android
Strava — the Swedish word for “strive” — has become a haven for runners, bikers, swimmers, and triathletes alike. In the free version, you can track your runs with your phone GPS, and get stats on your distance, pace, elevation, and calories burned, then share them (plus your route map and photos) with your Strava community (via a feed such as Facebook). Upgrade to premium to unlock features such as customizable training and workout plans; the ability to set your own distance, time, or segment goals; live feedback during runs on your current speed and distance; and advanced run analysis and performance metrics. (The finally launched a route-builder tool, too!)
If you’re hyper-competitive, this may be the best running app for you. With both the free and premium versions, you can battle your friends and the rest of the Strava population for crowns — the top spot on the Strava leaderboard for a particular segment (a stretch of road or trail, for example). In it for the camaraderie? Join one of Strava’s clubs and connect with runners either virtually or IRL. (FYI, here’s whether it’s actually good to be competitive about your workout.)
Get it on iOS or Android
Runtastic has everything you need in a running app or run tracker — real-time GPS tracking, goal setting, a training diary, shoe tracking, an integrated music player, and sharing — plus an extra motivational boost. Get feedback and encouragement from a real voice coach, live run tracking, and live messages and cheers from your friends. (Running a race with a friend? Here are tips for training together.) To use this running app for weight loss motivation, sync the app to your Apple Watch (gotta complete those activity rings!), Garmin wristband, and even your Garmin Edge bike computer to log rides too.
Get it on iOS or Android
If you’re looking for an app that zeros in on running for weight loss, this is your new BFF. Weight Loss Running by Verv is a running app and a meal plan in one. It offers a variety of eight-week plans (depending on your goals) with three workouts per week—mainly calorie-burning interval running workouts that include running, walking, and sprint intervals. It will guide you on the interval runs (with music!) but doesn’t track your runs with a GPS, so you can sync the app with Apple Health, Fitbit, Runkeeper, and MapMyRun to get the best of both worlds. The nutrition section offers meal plans with healthy recipes, plus a water tracker to be sure you’re staying hydrated. (And on that note, it’s important you know how much water to drink each day — no matter the running app you choose to use.)
Get it on iOS or Android
In a new city, and want to log a few miles? Looking for some new trails in your area? RunGo is a running app that makes finding, planning, and executing running routes way easier.
It works as a live run tracker—logging your essential stats like time, pace, splits, distance, and elevation—but also guides you on your route with turn-by-turn audio cues. (That means no more getting lost and wasting precious run time staring at your phone!) It works offline, so you don’t have to worry about losing service and getting stranded. And, with 100,000+ running routes worldwide, there’s a pretty good chance this running app will take you somewhere totally new. Bonus: If you have an Apple Watch, you can get live tracking updates and navigation cues right on your wrist.
Get it on iOS or Android
Pacer is first and foremeost a pedometer app, but it doubles as a running app as well. You can track all your activity throughout the day, as well as track specific activities such as outdoor walking, hiking, running, and biking on a super clean interface. Upgrade to premium to gain access to 12-week fitness plans and guided audio and video workouts, and use Pacer as a sort of DIY personal trainer. Sync it to MyFitnessPal and the Apple Health App, and create groups with friends and family to keep each other accountable. (Related: Joining an Online Support Group Could Help You Finally Meet Your Goals)
Get it on iOS or Android
Just as its name implies, this running app is all about clocking miles for, well, charity. So, if you’re looking to make your movement even more meaningful, simply download the app, create an account, and choose a charity of your liking. Whether you walk, run, dance, or bike, you’ll raise money with every mile you complete. As if you needed any more motivation to break a sweak, the running app will also send you reminders to workout and, in doing so, keep raising money. (Related: How I Outran Paralysis to Continue Fundraising for My Son’s Illness)
Get it on iOS or Android
If you’re just starting a pounding-the-pavement practice or returning to an old routine, look no further than this popular running app. Specifically designed to, in the brand’s words, “get beginners from couch potatoes to 5K distance runners in 8 weeks,” the free app provides three workouts per week — each of which are around 30 minutes (40 if you count warm up and cool down). It also tracks your time and distance, thereby making it one of the best running tracking apps out there, too. And the perks don’t stop there: The running app also doubles as a virtual coach, providing cues and guidance during your workouts so you can be sure you’re doing everything correctly and, in turn, on your way to reaching your goals. (If this running app is up your alley, then you might also want to read up on how to start running for beginners.)
Get it on iOS or Android
By Simon Buckingham
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SKIP SLIDE SUMMARIES
Everything in This Slideshow
RunKeeper
1 of 10
RunKeeper
Runkeeper, powered by Asics, is one of the most popular and efficient free running apps out there. It’s a feature-rich app that enables GPS tracking, distance, speed monitoring, caloric output, and activity history, and even lets you cue up your favorite playlist from iTunes or Spotify. You can use it just as a run tracker or for multiple other sports, including cycling, hiking, skiing, and swimming. You can even use the app to follow along with a training plan and participate in virtual races. Bonus: The app can sync up your fitness trackers (like a Garmin or Fitbit) or you can load the app onto your Apple Watch and leave your phone at home.
Upgrade to premium to take advantage of race-training plans from the ASICS Institute of Sport Science, more detailed progress insights (like side-by-side workout comparisons and weather data), prescribed workouts, and live run tracking. (P.S. these other running apps can also help you train for a specific race.)
Get it on iOS or Android
MapMyRun
2 of 10
MapMyRun
Under Armour’s MapMyRun running app makes running fun and easy by turning your device into a social training partner while using your phone’s GPS to track your distance and route (or use 400+ devices that can connect directly to the app). Add your current pair of sneaks to the app’s Gear Tracker, too, and you can more easily keep track of how many miles you’ve logged with those shoes. (FYI, this is how often you should replace your running sneakers.) You can easily connect to friends and family (and the other millions of MapMyRun users) via Facebook and Twitter as well as join challenging competitions on MapMyRun’s homepage. Prizes are given away (!!) for certain challenges so it’s good to consistently check their website. (This added incentive makes it a great running-for-weight-loss app because it’ll help keep you accountable.)
One cool feature that most running apps don’t offer: If you head over to the MapMyRun webpage on your desktop to trace out a route to help plan your next run.
Get it on iOS or Android
Nike+ Run Club
3 of 10
Nike+ Run Club
The Nike+ Run Club app is just as ~cool~ as the brand’s hottest running sneakers. The free running app packs all the usual features (GPS tracking, stats, community sharing, leaderboards, challenges, etc.) but offer some sweet add-ons that you can’t get anywhere else. For one, the Nike running app offers guided audio runs that can take you on a speed workout, tell you a story, or even guide you through mindful running with the help of meditation app Headspace. You get kudos and motivational quotes from Nike’s top trainers right in your ear, and can even get mid-run cheers from friends on the running app.
Crushed your latest training run? Nike’s app makes run sharing almost as visual as Instagram: Snap a photo before, during, or after your run, then add stickers with your run route or stats, graphics, and — obv — the “Just Do It” tagline.
Get it on iOS or Android
Strava
4 of 10
Strava
Strava — the Swedish word for “strive” — has become a haven for runners, bikers, swimmers, and triathletes alike. In the free version, you can track your runs with your phone GPS, and get stats on your distance, pace, elevation, and calories burned, then share them (plus your route map and photos) with your Strava community (via a feed such as Facebook). Upgrade to premium to unlock features such as customizable training and workout plans; the ability to set your own distance, time, or segment goals; live feedback during runs on your current speed and distance; and advanced run analysis and performance metrics. (The finally launched a route-builder tool, too!)
If you’re hyper-competitive, this may be the best running app for you. With both the free and premium versions, you can battle your friends and the rest of the Strava population for crowns — the top spot on the Strava leaderboard for a particular segment (a stretch of road or trail, for example). In it for the camaraderie? Join one of Strava’s clubs and connect with runners either virtually or IRL. (FYI, here’s whether it’s actually good to be competitive about your workout.)
Get it on iOS or Android
Runtastic
5 of 10
Runtastic
Runtastic has everything you need in a running app or run tracker — real-time GPS tracking, goal setting, a training diary, shoe tracking, an integrated music player, and sharing — plus an extra motivational boost. Get feedback and encouragement from a real voice coach, live run tracking, and live messages and cheers from your friends. (Running a race with a friend? Here are tips for training together.) To use this running app for weight loss motivation, sync the app to your Apple Watch (gotta complete those activity rings!), Garmin wristband, and even your Garmin Edge bike computer to log rides too.
Get it on iOS or Android
Weight Loss Running
6 of 10
Weight Loss Running
If you’re looking for an app that zeros in on running for weight loss, this is your new BFF. Weight Loss Running by Verv is a running app and a meal plan in one. It offers a variety of eight-week plans (depending on your goals) with three workouts per week—mainly calorie-burning interval running workouts that include running, walking, and sprint intervals. It will guide you on the interval runs (with music!) but doesn’t track your runs with a GPS, so you can sync the app with Apple Health, Fitbit, Runkeeper, and MapMyRun to get the best of both worlds. The nutrition section offers meal plans with healthy recipes, plus a water tracker to be sure you’re staying hydrated. (And on that note, it’s important you know how much water to drink each day — no matter the running app you choose to use.)
Get it on iOS or Android
RunGo App
7 of 10
RunGo App
In a new city, and want to log a few miles? Looking for some new trails in your area? RunGo is a running app that makes finding, planning, and executing running routes way easier.
It works as a live run tracker—logging your essential stats like time, pace, splits, distance, and elevation—but also guides you on your route with turn-by-turn audio cues. (That means no more getting lost and wasting precious run time staring at your phone!) It works offline, so you don’t have to worry about losing service and getting stranded. And, with 100,000+ running routes worldwide, there’s a pretty good chance this running app will take you somewhere totally new. Bonus: If you have an Apple Watch, you can get live tracking updates and navigation cues right on your wrist.
Get it on iOS or Android
Pacer
8 of 10
Pacer
Pacer is first and foremeost a pedometer app, but it doubles as a running app as well. You can track all your activity throughout the day, as well as track specific activities such as outdoor walking, hiking, running, and biking on a super clean interface. Upgrade to premium to gain access to 12-week fitness plans and guided audio and video workouts, and use Pacer as a sort of DIY personal trainer. Sync it to MyFitnessPal and the Apple Health App, and create groups with friends and family to keep each other accountable. (Related: Joining an Online Support Group Could Help You Finally Meet Your Goals)
Get it on iOS or Android
Charity Miles
9 of 10
Charity Miles
Just as its name implies, this running app is all about clocking miles for, well, charity. So, if you’re looking to make your movement even more meaningful, simply download the app, create an account, and choose a charity of your liking. Whether you walk, run, dance, or bike, you’ll raise money with every mile you complete. As if you needed any more motivation to break a sweak, the running app will also send you reminders to workout and, in doing so, keep raising money. (Related: How I Outran Paralysis to Continue Fundraising for My Son’s Illness)
Get it on iOS or Android
Couch to 5K (C25K)
10 of 10
Couch to 5K (C25K)
If you’re just starting a pounding-the-pavement practice or returning to an old routine, look no further than this popular running app. Specifically designed to, in the brand’s words, “get beginners from couch potatoes to 5K distance runners in 8 weeks,” the free app provides three workouts per week — each of which are around 30 minutes (40 if you count warm up and cool down). It also tracks your time and distance, thereby making it one of the best running tracking apps out there, too. And the perks don’t stop there: The running app also doubles as a virtual coach, providing cues and guidance during your workouts so you can be sure you’re doing everything correctly and, in turn, on your way to reaching your goals. (If this running app is up your alley, then you might also want to read up on how to start running for beginners.)
Get it on iOS or Android
Conclusion
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