The best running apps: ultimate tracking tech

published 15 June 2023

Running is a fantastic form of exercise. It’s cheap, accessible and a great way to get a huge hit of endorphins. It’s also a good form of exercise to ease yourself into because there are many different apps that’ll help you train. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best running apps around right now.

Each of these apps become your running coach. Some are created for serious runners, whereas others are designed for those dipping their toes into the running waters for the first time.

The best running app for you depends on what you’re looking for from your training. Long distance runners interested in marathon training might choose an app with social capabilities to share splits with fellow runners, like Strava and Runkeeper.

Those who have recently taken up running for health reasons or as part of a 5km challenge might prefer an app with streamlined features, such as Nike Run Club or Pacer.

And if you’re a complete beginner there are plenty of apps to ease you into the running lifestyle, like Couch to 5K, which does what it says on the tin – transforms you from a coach potato to a 5K runner in a matter of weeks with the help of a structured programme.

Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve selected the best running apps around right now in our list below.

Keen to get into long-distance running? Read our how to run a marathon guide.

Best running apps

Undoubtedly one of the best known names in the running game, Strava is the gatekeeper of running apps. Ideal for those who enjoy interval training - there’s a detailed breakdown when it comes to timings and splits - you can really challenge yourself on certain legs of your run by competing against previously tracked times. The downside, like any social app really, is that it’s easy to find yourself getting a little overly competitive, comparing splits with friends and analysing what others are doing. Needless to say, it’s a solid app for running (also a favourite of cyclists FYI) and syncs effortlessly with all manner of devices and fitness trackers - both iOS and Android.

A big name in the fitness game, Nike’s dedicated running app allows you to run solo or track your activity against friends. It also comes equipped with a number of built-in options, including Guided Runs, My Coach and Quickstart options. Guided runs are a great motivator and feature audio guides from the likes of Paula Radcliffe and Joan Benoit Samuelson, alongside pre-set distance and speed programmes (a mixture of audio-guided and not). My Coach is the ideal planner for those aiming for a steady build up to longer distances, while Quickstart is ideal for a hassle-free run. Now, the app has had a hell of a lot of investment thanks to the brand’s partnership with Apple and it’s obvious the kinks are being well and truly ironed out.

Got a Garmin fitness device? Then you don’t need a running app as Garmin Connect is more than enough. It’s comprehensive, with a fairly simplistic interface that lets you drill down into more data if you want to, like blood oxygen, hydration and heart rate. This gives you an understanding of how your running impacts your overall health and fitness. A coach feature allows you to pick training plans and there are good social tools – great for those who need competition to hit a new PB.

If conventional running and fitness apps have never been your cup of tea and training programmes seem boring, then spice things up a bit by tricking your brain into thinking you’re literally running for your life. This app uses storytelling to put you in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, providing missions and prompts you can listen to as you run, as well as incorporating your own motivational tracks, too. It’s running made into a horrifying game – but in a fun sort of way!

Another offering that has gained funding from a major sportswear brand, Map My Run joined forces with Under Armour (yup, they’ve got their fingers in a fair few pies). The app syncs seamlessly with smart watches and fitness trackers and like the best apps has a large social community. Data from runs can either be broken down in-app or accessed online and there’s the added advantage of pairing the app with Under Armours smart trainer that can even analyse stride length. Spooky.