The best apps for running routes are not necessarily the ones that have mapped out the most routes.
Depending on what you’re looking for, you may prefer a different kind of app than someone else. For example, if you’re planning to run a new route every time, what matters most is how many routes there are, and whether your route is well-lit and not too crowded, in case you’re running at night or early in the morning. On the other hand, if you’re looking to run the same route over and over again, it’s more important that the app can keep track of your progress and give you stats about your runs.
This article will explain why these two apps stand out from the rest of their competitors: Strava and MapMyRun.
Best Apps For Running Routes
Map out your runs with these route planning apps and websites
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It’s all too easy to fall into a pattern of running the same handful of routes, and while you will still be getting all the fitness benefits of the sport, after a while you might start to lose your mojo in the face of experiencing the exact same scenery on every outing.
You can opt to simply veer off these well-trodden paths at random – but while that will undoubtedly liven up your run it can lead to extended trips where you’re completely lost, have to navigate main roads or hit dead ends with annoying regularity.
The solution is to plan your routes using an app or website, and then, if you have a running watch capable of showing those routes, pinging them to your wrist to follow. Even if you don’t, you can pop your phone in an armband or running belt and check it occasionally; or if you have the memory for it, just map out your preferred path and keep it in mind when you run.
Below you’ll find five of the best route planning options currently available. Some require a paid subscription while others are completely free, but all will require you to set up an account to create and use the routes.
THE BEST RUNNING ROUTE PLANNING APPS AND WEBSITES
Strava Route Builder
If you’re a keen runner the chances are you already use Strava to track or just share your training. The good news is that this year Strava dramatically improved its Route Builder tool, adding a dedicated section in the app which you can use to get recommended routes near you based on where other app users run. You can also alter the app’s suggestions based on how far you want to run, the terrain and whether you want to avoid hills. The web browser route builder is also useful for creating your own routes and sharing them with others or exporting it to your device. If you have a Garmin running watch with mapping capabilities, you can also set up an automatic sync, which is handy.
That’s a lot of good news, but here’s the bad: along with the improvements Strava also moved these features behind a subscription paywall. Members of the Coach team have found the route builder very useful breaking away from their usual park loops, but £6 a month is only worth it if the other Strava premium features appeal. strava.com
Download from App Store and Google Play | £5.99 a month | Is Strava Premium Worth It?
Komoot
Komoot’s route planning software is impressively advanced and is great for point-to-point planning, generally keeping you off busy roads where possible. You need to create an account to save routes and send them to your phone and watch via Komoot (which like Strava also offers Garmin auto-sync), but you do get one area free – choosing your local area as a default – when you sign up, with it then costing £3.99 to unlock a new region, or £29.99 to unlock the entire world.
A great idea is to take a bus ride somewhere and then run back (or vice versa), and the route planner will also tell you what surfaces your planned route covers, so you can see if your road running shoes will need to cope with trails. It won’t suggest looped routes like Strava, but it does highlight “Running Highlights” on the map so you can string a few together and explore some new places on your run. komoot.com
Download from App Store and Google Play | One region free, extra region £3.99, region bundle £8.99, unlock world £29.99
best free running apps for android
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.
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- 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.
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