By Marnie Kunz,
Certified run coach and trainer

The best running apps will help you become a better runner by tracking your training. Whether you want to know your running pace and distance, share stats with friends, or make your own running routes, these are the best running apps, and they’re free! Some may have paid options for customized training features, but all of these running apps can be downloaded and used in their basic form without paying anything.

The Best Running Apps to Make You a Better Runner

Strava

Strava is one of the best running apps for all runners, and there are many serious athletes in the Strava network. I personally love Strava because it’s easy to use and a lot of my friends are on it so we can cheer each other on when posting our workouts. Strava is a GPS running app that tracks your pace and distance, and you can share your workouts with the Strava network.

Strava allows you to track running, walking, and biking as well as enter your cross-training information if you want to post about your circuit training workouts, weightlifting, and more. I also appreciate the running safety feature called Strava Beacon, which allows you to share your location in real-time with trusted contacts so if you are doing a remote run or if you have a health condition, someone can always see where you are.

As with many of the running apps, Strava does have premium paid options for training plans and advanced training stats. But for most people, the free app version is enough. Sign up for Strava and get started using it.

Runkeeper

The ASICS Runkeeper app is one of the most popular running apps for good reason - it allows you to track your runs easily and seamlessly integrates with other tracking devices like Apple watches. Runkeeper gives you to option to add reminders to tell yourself when to run, and the notifications will pop up on your phone. If you want a boost of extra motivation and direction, you can get a subscription and join the pro version, Runkeeper Go.

Garmin Connect

Garmin Connect is my running app of choice. It allows you to set running and fitness goals and track your workouts, which can include running, cycling, strength training, walking, and more. I use the Garmin Forerunner 55 running watch and the app syncs easily with the app. After getting overwhelmed with social media and notifications, I appreciate relying on my watch more than my phone for running, and syncing the watch with my Garmin is simple.

If you have a Garmin watch, you just need to sign up for the Garmin Connect app and open the app and watch the circle go around one full loop for it to sync with your watch. You don’t have to have a Garmin watch to use the app but you will have to manually enter your workouts if you don’t have a Garmin device. (Check out my Garmin Running Workout Guide if you want more tips on using your Garmin and Garmin Connect).

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Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club is one of the best running apps that’s easy to use, which I appreciate. Nike Run Club tracks your run distance and pace and your running routes. The app offers stats on your average pace, calories burned, and distance covered.

The Nike Run Club app also has challenges you can join. There is also a social aspect to the app, as you can add friends and cheer them on when you see their workout posts. Nike Run Club is a beginner-friendly app that also includes guided runs and free training plans that sync with an Apple Watch.

MapMyRun

MapMyRun by Under Armour is one of the best running apps for creating running routes. I use this app a lot when I need to create routes for myself or for leading running events. I use the desktop version of the app to create routes and then bookmark the routes and pull them up easily on the app on my phone. The run tracker can also tell you your running pace and distance.

Charity Miles

CharityMiles is great for raising money for charity while you run. It is one of the simpler running apps as far as technology, with a streamlined distance and time tracker to use as you run. The best part is the charity component which allows you to choose a charity to raise money for with each mile. You can get sponsorships to raise money for the charity and some charities also have already agreed upon sponsors who donate a set amount. The main drawback of this app in my opinion is there are only large charities so many of the smaller ones are not on the app.

RoadiD

RoadiD is a run tracking app with safety features that allow you to share your running location with trusted contacts in real-time. The app also has an emergency SOS button you can press in case of an emergency and it will notify emergency responders and your trusted contacts of your exact location and send a call for help.

Runtastic

Adidas Runtastic app is another GPS running tracking app that shows your distance and pace as you run. The app includes challenges and a social component so you can share your workouts with friends who are on the app.

Zombies, Run!

Zombies, Run! is one of the best running apps for creative people and those who love zombies. When you download the app, you can then choose your mission and beginoutrunning zombies. The app uses GPS tracking to tell you your time and pace and also has the fun/horrifying option to allow zombie noises throughout your run for extra motivation. This running app is perfect for horror fans and those that don’t get motivated by traditional methods. Download the iOS app or Android app for Zombies, Run! and start outrunning zombies today.

C25K

C25K is a 5K training app that gives you an 8-week training program to help you run a 5K. This running app is great for beginners who want to build up to running a full 5K.

Google Fit: Activity Tracker

Google Fit is a fitness tracker that works with Android and Apple devices that can be used for tracking your running, steps, and health data. You can sync Google Fit with other running apps like Strava and get advanced analytics on all your health metrics.

Runtopia

Runtopia is a GPS running app that allows you to earn Sweat Coins that count toward rewards items or money when you run and take daily steps. Although there are limits on how many coins you can earn with the free app version, the money incentive is secondary to the actual GPS tracking which allows you to tell your pace and distance for each run. If you are motivated by prizes, this running app could be for you. Download Runtopia in the Google Play store or on iOS to start earning rewards for your miles.

PUMATRAC

PUMATRAC is a GPS running app owned by Puma that allows you to track your runs. You can sync the app with your Apple or Spotify playlists for your favorite tunes on the run.

Relive

Relive is a running and hiking app for outdoor enthusiasts that lets you track your workouts and share them in beautiful visuals. The app can make 3-D videos from your running routes and can sync with tracking devices like Garmin.

iSmoothRun

iSmoothRun is a beginner-friendly running app that tracks your runs and offers a host of features, including measuring run-walk intervals. You can also track your shoe mileage so you know when is the best time to change your running shoes.

How to Pick the Best Running Apps for You

It can be overwhelming to figure out the best running apps when you have so many options to choose from. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best running app for you:

What are the main features you need in your running app? Most of them have GPS tracking capabilities but beyond that, there are a variety of variations. Some running apps sync with Apple Music and Spotify playlists, for instance, while others may have gamified features or rewards. Or you may enjoy social sharing and want to pick a running app that your friends are on so you can celebrate achievements together.

If you’re an advanced runner, you will probably appreciate the training features of Strava, while new runners can find the perfect fit with C25K. If you run with a heart rate monitor, some apps - like Garmin - can sync with your monitor.

Will you be syncing your app with a GPS device such as a Garmin or Apple Watch or Fitbit? Make sure the app you choose easily syncs with your device.

Do you need safety features? Strava and RoadiD offer location sharing with trusted contacts, and RoadiD has the most advanced safety system for signaling help when you need it.

Let me know your favorite running app in the comments, or tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your app and training progress. If you need a training plan to slay your running goals or get your fastest race time, head to the Runstreet Training Center and I’ll be happy to help you.

Happy running to you!😊

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, a dog lover, an Akita mom, and the founder of Runstreet. She is based in Brooklyn, New York.

15 Best Running Apps That Are Free