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A Guide to the Best Running Apps

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January 17, 2020

 

A Guide to the Best Running Apps

Looking for a guide to the best running apps to help you with your training, motivation and tracking? Here’s a list of the best running apps you can download on iOS and Android, whether you’re a beginner building up to your first 5km, a casual jogger who loves tracking progress, or a seasoned runner chasing PBs.

🥇 Strava: Best Overall for Tracking & Community

What it does: Tracks runs via GPS, logs distance, pace and elevation, while giving you a social feed to share activities and see friends’ workouts.

Standout features:

  • Detailed GPS tracking and performance metrics

  • Social features, challenges and leaderboards

  • Syncs with wearables (Apple Watch, Garmin, etc.)

  • Advanced features like segment competitions and personalised workouts with Instant Workouts (new 2026 update)

Best for: Runners motivated by community, challenges and data.

Running

🏃 Nike Run Club: Best Free Coaching & Motivation

What it does: Combines run tracking with guided audio coaching from Nike experts.

Standout features:

  • Free structured plans from beginner to marathon

  • Audio-guided runs to keep you focused

  • Syncs with music apps for a built-in soundtrack

Best for: Beginners and habitual runners who like guidance and pep-talks.

📍 Runkeeper (ASICS Runkeeper): Great for Everyday Running

What it does: Simple, effective GPS tracking with training plans and progress history.

Standout features:

  • Clear running metrics (pace, distance, time)

  • Interval training and reminders

  • Compatible with many devices

Best for: Runners who want reliable tracking and structured goals without complexity.

🗺 Map My Run: Best for Routes & Exploration

What it does: Tracks run stats and offers a huge database of user-generated routes around the world.

Standout features:

  • GPS route maps and route suggestions

  • Metric tracking (pace, calories, elevation)

  • Syncs with wearables and other health apps

Best for: Runners who like exploring new paths and mapping workouts.

👟 Couch to 5K (C25K): Best for Beginners

What it does: A structured 9-week plan that gradually builds your stamina from walking to running 5 km.

Standout features:

  • Beginner-friendly schedule

  • Audio coaching cues

  • Encourages consistency with progressive challenges

Best for: New runners attempting their first 5km.

🧟 Zombies, Run!: Most Fun & Gamified Experience

What it does: A story-based running game where you complete missions and outrun virtual zombies.

Standout features:

  • Audio stories with tasks

  • Game-like motivation

  • Works with your music

Best for: Runners who want fun, immersive motivation.

🧠 Joggo: Best for Guided Plans & Nutrition (Premium)

What it does: Offers personalised run programs plus nutrition plans and warm-ups.

Standout features:

  • Integrated meal plans

  • Structured running programs

  • Treadmill mode

Best for: Runners who want a holistic fitness approach.

Others Worth Considering

Tips for choosing

👍 Pick Strava or Nike Run Club if you want strong motivation and challenge features.

👟 Choose Runkeeper or Map My Run for solid everyday tracking.

🏁 Use Couch to 5K if you’re just starting out.

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