Running is a passion for a lot of people. There are a lot of companies that have recognized this passion and have released apps that will help you train more efficiently and reach your goals.
The apps can help you track your training, find new running routes, and even help you find new running partners. So, here are the best running apps on the market.
1. Strava GPS Cycling and Running App
If you find that seeing your friends’ activities is more of an incentive to keep on going yourself, then Strava might be your best choice. The app shows you the activities of runners and cyclists on the same route, helping to motivate you to run or ride more often.
Strava supports various running trackers and Wear OS devices. The app also offers great resources to set goals and track your progress toward them. For example, you can use the app to track your running speed, and distance traveled.
Premium users also get access to Strava Beacon, a safety feature that allows up to three people to monitor your location while you’re running.
The app has challenges, so you can see how you compare to your friends. Users will find it most interesting when they set up group challenges, like the longest weekly mileage, to motivate each other.
Download: Strava for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)
2. Nike Run Club
Nike Run Club is one of the best social fitness apps to run with friends. With an extensive selection of flexible and challenging training plans, it’s not hard to see why.
The free app lets you quickly set up your running terrain: street, trail, and treadmill. And, it uses your device’s GPS and accelerometer to track your pace, distance, time, and calories burned.
Nike Run Club also includes weekly and monthly challenges to keep you going. You can also upload some inspirational songs to play when you need to stay motivated. Plus, it comes with virtual coaches that spur you on as you run.
Download: Nike Run Club for Android | iOS (Free)
3. Map My Run
Map My Run, by Under Armour, is a GPS route-finding and tracking app. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just running for fun, Map My Run makes it easy to track your running and keep your motivation high.
The app lets you track your runs and find out new running routes near you. You can choose from millions of routes on the app.
The comprehensive app comes with features like maps and data analysis. You can also get real-time audio-coaching and view speed, time, distance while running, and route on a map. There’s also a social community of runners ready to support your shared commitment to health and fitness.
The app integrates with various devices and apps so you can sync your stats with your MyFitnessPal app, Fitbit, and Apple Watch, to mention a few. You can also add your shoes to Map My Run, and the app will tell you when it’s time to replace them with new ones.
Download: Map My Run for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. adidas Running
adidas Running is more than just a running app. The app can track all your runs in real-time and keep a detailed log of all your fitness activities. It includes great analytics with charts and graphs to track your progress.
You can use it to track your running, walking, jogging, and biking. The app can also track speed, time, distance, elevation, and calories burned and includes voice coaches and support for other apps.
The app has share-location and cheering features that help ensure you stay connected with other runners. It also syncs with Pandora and Spotify, so you can listen to your favorite music while on a run.
Download: adidas Running for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. NHS Couch to 5K
NHS Couch to 5K is a free running program created by the UK’s National Health Service. NHS Couch to 5K is an ideal app for anyone wanting to start running or get fitter. You may as well check out our list of the best digital tools to help you combat a sedentary lifestyle while you’re at it.
The app is a structured training program designed to get you running 5 kilometers (or 3.1 miles) in 9 weeks. Training starts with the very basics and builds to running for 30 minutes non-stop. It includes a three-runs-a-week training program, music playlists, a progress tracker, and a coach in your pocket.
Download: Couch to 5K for Android | iOS (Free)
6. Runkeeper
ASICS’s Runkeeper is one of the most popular and oldest running apps around. The GPS-based app tracks your distance, pace, calories burned, and overall time.
With the app, you can create your own route or follow one of its pre-made routes. The easy-to-use app also allows you to set goals and accurately track your progress. There’s even an option to track your non-running activities!
Runkeeper’s progress feature lets you view your previous runs so you can track your overall progress. The app also syncs with various apps, smartwatches, and fitness devices, like an Apple Watch or Fitbit.
The app has a community feature that allows you to connect with other runners and share your experiences. There’s also a customizable voice announcer that can help stimulate your runs.
Download: Runkeeper for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
Run With the Best Running Apps for Android and iPhone
Running is a great form of exercise, and it’s something that millions of people around the world love to do. If you’re a runner, you know that there are a lot of factors that come into play when tracking your progress.
Thankfully, there are many great running apps that can help. We hope this article has helped you learn about the best running apps on the market so that you can reach your fitness goals and keep your body healthy and strong.