Top running apps

Running sounds easy until we start actually doing it. From how to pace ourselves to what route to choose, how to keep motivated and even when to look for new running shoes – it can get a bit too much to handle. Luckily, technology is here to help us push forward, reach our goals and have a bit of fun while doing it. Here are some of the most popular running apps to enhance your performance and keep you company while jogging.

Top running apps

No matter your goal, personality or level of running prowess, there is always a running app that will suit you the best.

Best running app for beginners: Couch to 5K

Thinking about starting to run? Whether you’ve never done it before or it’s been a while since you’ve laced up your running shoes, the idea can be a bit overwhelming at first. Especially if you don’t have a plan. This is where the running app Couch to 5K comes in. As the name implies, its sole purpose is to turn couch potatoes into 5K runners able to get over that finish line. The gradual workouts are brilliantly organised in an eight-week training plan. Plus, there’s also a virtual coach giving you the motivational boost you need every step of the way.

Cost: £2.79 (Android) or £2.99 (iOS)

You can download it for Android or iOS

Best easy-to-use running app: Pacer

If you’re after a no-hassle running app that logs your activity levels and lets you join community challenges, Pacer might be your best option. Tracking steps and measuring running time is what it does best thanks to its dual functionality as both a pedometer and a fitness tracking app. It’s also free to download and start using today, so why not give it a go?

Cost: Free

You can download it for Android or iOS

Best running app for finding running routes: Map My Run

Another beginner’s gem, Map My Run is the perfect app if you’re one of those runners who never knows in which direction to go. Thanks to its database with millions of running routes, this app has got you covered whenever you’re running in a different town or you want to try a new route at home. A neat feature is that it will also notify you when it’s time to get a new pair of running shoes. Is there something this running app can’t do?

Cost: Free

You can download it for Android or iOS

Best running app for competitive runners: Strava

If you live for the thrill of surpassing goals, outperforming fellow runners and just generally taking over the world, Strava is an app made for runners not afraid to let their competitive side take over every once in a while. There are plenty of leader boards, group challenges and unique metrics to help you push onward. And there are also achievement badges waiting for you every time you accomplish a goal. Get your friends to join in and there will plenty of fun to be had while ticking off running goals one by one.

Cost: Free

You can download it for Android or iOS

Best running app for connecting with friends: Endomondo

Keeping friends up to date with your progress is easy with Endomondo. The running app allows you to share selfies mid-run, start a friendly running competition with people in your group and even send a motivating cheer to a friend who is struggling to get to the finish line. There is also a useful training log that allows you to track distance and even calories burned.

Cost: Free

You can download it for Android or iOS

Best running app for runners looking for motivation: Zombies, Run!

Losing weight, keeping fit or even a looming 5K race are not always good enough motivators to keep us running when we don’t feel like it. Sometimes we need a stronger incentive such as a Zombie apocalypse to make us run like we mean it. Of course, that’s not going to happen any time soon, but the Zombies, Run! app will make you feel like you’re on a mission to save humanity every time you go out for a run. Motivation problems solved!

Cost: Free

You can download it for Android or iOS

Best all-in-one running app: Runkeeper

If you’re after the ultimate running app, Runkeeper comes pretty close to that title. There’s simply not much else to wish for: it comes packed with plenty of features for novices, seasoned runners and everyone in between. It’s got all the useful metrics you need, including distance and calories burned. And you can follow different training plans according to your goals.

Cost: Free

You can download it for Android or iOS

Ready for your next run? Make sure you stretch first with our list of top 5 pre-run stretches to try.