If you’re a runner, one of the most important things you can do is track your progress. And while it’s easy to keep a mental tally of how many miles you’ve logged or how long it’s been since your last race, it’s not so easy to keep track of other important metrics—like your weight and BMI, your heart rate, and even whether or not you’re eating enough protein.
Fortunately for runners, there are a lot of apps out there that can help with just this kind of thing! We’ve rounded up some of our favorites below.
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Tracking Running
Whether you’re new to pounding the pavement or training for a marathon, tracking your run can give you valuable insight into your running practice — and these totally free running apps will be a godsend. No matter your skill level, these are the best run tracking apps that are designed to help you reach your goals in a way that works for you, giving you not just the ability to track your distance but also receive real-time coaching and share your progress. Find out which of these running apps works best for your goals, then download one (…or two) and start breaking a sweat.
START SLIDESHOW
Under Armour’s MapMyRun 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. You can easily connect to friends and family (and the millions of other 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. You can also add your current pair of sneaks to the app’s Gear Tracker and easily keep track of how many miles you’ve logged with those shoes alone.
One cool feature that most running apps don’t offer: If you head over to the MapMyRun webpage on your desktop, you can trace out a route to help plan your next run.
Get it on iOS or Android
Runkeeper, powered by Asics, is one of the most popular and efficient free run tracking 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 to track your runs or for multiple other sports — including cycling, hiking, skiing, and swimming. You can even use it to follow along with a training plan and participate in virtual races. Bonus: The app can sync up your fitness trackers (such as 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 (such as 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
The Nike+ Run Club app is just as ~cool~ as the brand’s hottest running sneakers. The free run tracking app packs all the usual features — GPS tracking, stats, community sharing, leaderboards, and challenges — but offers some sweet add-ons that you can’t get anywhere else. For one, the Nike+ Run Club 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.
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 — of course — 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, and elevation, then share them (plus your route map and photos) with your Strava community via an in-app feed similar to 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. (There’s 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, aka 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.
Get it on iOS or Android
Adidas Running 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.
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 run tracking 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 more than 100,000 running routes worldwide, there’s a pretty good chance this run tracking 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. You can track all your activity throughout the day, as well as track specific activities such as outdoor walking, hiking, running, and biking — all on a super clean interface. Upgrade to premium to gain access to 12-week fitness plans and guided audio and video workouts, turning Pacer into a sort of DIY personal trainer. You can also 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 run tracking 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 sweat, the app will also send you reminders to work out 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 run tracking 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 (or 40 if you count warm-up and cool down). It also tracks your time and distance, thereby making it one of the best run tracking apps out there. 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
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 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, or 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
By Simon Buckingham
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Everything in This Slideshow
MapMyRun
1 of 10
MapMyRun
Under Armour’s MapMyRun 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. You can easily connect to friends and family (and the millions of other 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. You can also add your current pair of sneaks to the app’s Gear Tracker and easily keep track of how many miles you’ve logged with those shoes alone.
One cool feature that most running apps don’t offer: If you head over to the MapMyRun webpage on your desktop, you can trace out a route to help plan your next run.
Get it on iOS or Android
Runkeeper
2 of 10
Runkeeper
Runkeeper, powered by Asics, is one of the most popular and efficient free run tracking 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 to track your runs or for multiple other sports — including cycling, hiking, skiing, and swimming. You can even use it to follow along with a training plan and participate in virtual races. Bonus: The app can sync up your fitness trackers (such as 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 (such as 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
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 run tracking app packs all the usual features — GPS tracking, stats, community sharing, leaderboards, and challenges — but offers some sweet add-ons that you can’t get anywhere else. For one, the Nike+ Run Club 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.
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 — of course — 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, and elevation, then share them (plus your route map and photos) with your Strava community via an in-app feed similar to 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. (There’s 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, aka 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.
Get it on iOS or Android
Adidas Running
5 of 10
Adidas Running
Adidas Running 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.
Get it on iOS or Android
RunGo App
6 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 run tracking 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 more than 100,000 running routes worldwide, there’s a pretty good chance this run tracking 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
7 of 10
Pacer
Pacer is first and foremeost a pedometer app, but it doubles as a running app. You can track all your activity throughout the day, as well as track specific activities such as outdoor walking, hiking, running, and biking — all on a super clean interface. Upgrade to premium to gain access to 12-week fitness plans and guided audio and video workouts, turning Pacer into a sort of DIY personal trainer. You can also 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
8 of 10
Charity Miles
Just as its name implies, this run tracking 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 sweat, the app will also send you reminders to work out 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)
9 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 run tracking 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 (or 40 if you count warm-up and cool down). It also tracks your time and distance, thereby making it one of the best run tracking apps out there. 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
Weight Loss Running
10 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 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, or 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
interval running app
You’ve seen your friends bragging about their runs all over social media — from “I just crushed a 3.00 mi run” tweets to your pal’s #seenonmyrun selfie — and we don’t blame you for wanting to join the party. After all, if you didn’t post it, did it really happen? But you can’t get a cool share in unless you’re using one of those slick running apps. (Especially if you don’t want to shell out for a fancy watch just yet.) And let’s not forget these apps’ real function: making you a better runner. But with so many options available, it’s easy to end up using one that’s seriously subpar. So we downloaded ‘em all — so you don’t have to! — and found the eight best for lightning-fast sprinters, total beginners and everyone in between.
RELATED: Why Apps Might Be Just as Good as Wearables for Tracking Steps
Great Running Apps for Every Type of Runner
iSmoothRun App
Photo: iSmoothRun
- iSmoothRun
Best for: Interval lovers
Have a need for speed? Then you’ll love iSmoothRun, which allows you to set custom intervals prior to lacing up. Preset your 400-meter repeats; it’ll also account for those much-needed rest breaks. Can’t remember why that one run last week didn’t go so well? iSmoothRun’s weather-logging feature adds in notes on temperature and humidity to jog your memory (sorry, we had to) so you’ll know that high humidity could be to blame. ($4.99; iOS)
Strava Running App
Photo: Strava
- Strava
Best for: Weekend warriors
If teamwork is your thing (thrown in with a little healthy competition, of course), Strava is the app for you. Use one of over 50 compatible GPS devices — like your Garmin or your Timex — to upload your data, then compare it with your friends’ routes and paces. (You know, so you can identify which pals you’re going to pick off at your next half-marathon.) This app will even help you find local races, city running guides and running clubs. You’ll never have to run alone again! (Free; iOS, Android)
Map My Run App
Photo: MapMyRun
- MapMyRun
Best for: Discovering new routes
The same site you know and love for, well, mapping your run, also has a reliable companion app for when you’re on the move. Every single route you’ve mapped will sync up to your smartphone, so you won’t forget the whereabouts of that hilly five-miler you ran on family vacation last year. Training for a race? You can also use their MapMyRun Trainer app to find training plans for races of distances between 5K and a 50K. (Free; iOS, Android)
RELATED: 13 Awesome Podcasts to Get You Through a Long Run
Runkeeper App
Photo: RunKeeper
- RunKeeper
Best for: Runners with rhythm
What’s a run without good tunes keeping you pumped up, right? And that’s the coolest feature of Runkeeper: its ability to seamlessly sync your pace up to your music. Specifically, the app’s “DJ” analyzes the music on your phone, detecting each song’s mood and tempo, then plays a track that matches up with your speed. If you tend to over-obsess about your pace, set RunKeeper to “stopwatch mode” and it’ll solely display time elapsed — but don’t worry, distance is still recorded, too. (Free; iOS, Android)
RELATED: 7 Killer Playlists to Get You Through Any Workout
Nike Plus Running App
Photo: Nike
- Nike+ Running
Best for: Bragging rights
Consider this baby the OG of running apps. Released in 2006 and originally dubbed Nike+iPod, this DailyBurn staff-favorite has gone through four iterations, adding in cool features over the years like virtual coaching, an in-app camera for instant running pics and post-workout motivation from top Nike athletes like Alyson Felix. Was today the day you ran your #fastestmile, or logged your longest run? Earn some serious social media cred by sharing your feats (including a customized map of your route) instantly with your friends on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. (Free; iOS, Android)
RELATED: 50 Running Resources for Speed, Strength and Nutrition
Endomondo Running App
Photo: Endomondo
- Endomondo
Best for: Helping you go the extra mile
If you’re looking for a push to help you meet your goals, download Endomondo, stat. Its commitment feature will serve as a virtual accountability partner, gently reminding you via push notification to get those runs in for the week. And for six extra bucks a month, the app’s premium version provides a specific training plan designed around how you’ve been pacing on recent runs. Oh, and it can also show you the amount of hamburgers you burn off from every run — certainly a metric we can get behind. (Free; iOS, Android)
Fuel My Run
Photo: Fuel My Run
- Fuel My Run
Best for: Avoiding the dreaded wall
If running a half-marathon or full marathon is in your future, you’re going to need to learn how to start fueling on the run. Yes, that means ingesting those weird foil packets of gel. But if you’re unsure of when to start taking down your energy chews or gels, this app will remind you when exactly to eat, swallow and repeat. And just like that, you pushed right through the wall. Take that, mile 21. ($1.99; iOS)
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