Running
The 5 Best Running Apps to Help Reach Your Goals
Running apps can help in a lot of different ways, but what sets one apart from another? We explored some of the best running apps to help you go further.
For a lot of people running is a way of life. Others can find it challenging to stay motivated and committed. Either way, running is a simple and accessible type of exercise that can completely transform your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Plus, it can also be fun.
If you’re training for a marathon, just want to see how far you’ve gone, or want to find new running routes, running apps can make a huge difference. They have the features, tools, and resources for you to keep track of whatever you want to keep track of — from training goals to calorie intake and everything in between.
So get ready to lace up your shoes, head out the door, and hit the ground running. Keep reading to learn about the five best running apps for you to go further.
To help take the guesswork out of finding the best app, we put together a list of the five best ones out there. All of them offer some of the same basic features, but each one comes with a range of other tools depending on what you’re looking for. Let’s dive in.
01
Strava
A screenshot from Strava where the run is shaped like the Red Bull logo
© Susie Chan; Owen Delaney
For those that love a bit of competition or enjoy the social aspect of running, then Strava has you covered. It’s one of the best community running apps out there and the range of features prove why.
You can follow the progress of friends and family, invite colleagues to take part and create your own group challenges to keep everyone on their toes. And it doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out on your running journey or are an avid marathon runner — you can use Strava for whatever you need it for.
Some of the features include basic abilities like tracking your running speed and how far you’ve gone, but you can also go even further with in-depth analytics that provides some great insights into your running.
Sometimes it's not always easy to find a running partner, which is why Strava is the perfect choice to be motivated, motivate others, and cheer each other on no matter where you’re located in the world.
02
Runkeeper
It’s always nice to switch up your running route and Runkeeper can help with a change of scenery. You’re able to look for and follow routes that other runners have added and keep track of everything your body goes through when you’re pounding the pavement.
Runkeeper taps into the GPS feature on your mobile phone to give you accurate data like how many calories you’ve burned, how long you ran for, the total distance you went, and your running pace.
You can also take things a little further with some other metrics and analytics depending on the type of running you’re doing and it even offers the ability to create training plans to help you reach your goals and targets.
The app is adaptable if you just want to track your progress a few times per week or if you’re training for your next marathon.
03
MyFitnessPal
A group of six people running through a park
© Getty
Running with a pal can make it a bit more enjoyable, but it’s not always possible to find someone to run with and keep you motivated. MyFitnessPal helps fill that void and it’s a great app if you want to use running to become healthier.
It comes with all the features that other apps offer, like your distance and time, but you can also use it to track any weight loss goals you have. You can input the foods you eat and monitor your calorie intake to stay on target with any health goals that you set.
You can also stay as motivated as possible by joining the community to get support from your friends — and support them — along whatever health journey you’re on.
04
MapMyRun
One of the most time-tested running apps, MapMyRun has everything for anyone. Do you want to find a new running route? It can do that. Do you want to track your distance, pace, speed, and total time? It can do that. Do you want to join a community to stay motivated? It can do that, too.
Even though the app has been around for a long time, it’s constantly being updated with new features. It has audio coaching that you can use in real-time to help you get the most out of your runs and it also gives feedback to help improve your overall performance.
Are you the type of runner that doesn’t know when you need to get some new shoes? If you run often, having proper footwear that offers support and stability will allow you to not only run longer but reduce the possibility of injury. MapMyRun has a feature called Gear Tracker that will let you know when you should upgrade your kicks.
Another great feature is the ability to integrate the app with a ton of other devices and apps. This lets you keep the most accurate and up-to-date data to get the most out of your runs and take your performance to a whole new level.
05
Wings for Life World Run App
The Wings for Life World Run takes place every year and allows people from all over the world to run together for a good cause. It’s not always easy for everyone to travel somewhere to take part in a marathon, and that’s why the Wings for Life World Run App is perfect.
You can take part in the event no matter where you’re located — from Germany to Tokyo to Australia to Toronto and everywhere in between.
The App connects you with all the participants of the race and keeps you informed, entertained, and motivated while you’re running. Stay ahead of the Virtual Catcher Car while it chases you and get the full experience of the Run by using the Audio Experience.
The Wings for Life Run is in support of spinal cord research, with all proceeds from the event going directly to finding a cure. After the race is done and no matter where you completed it, your official distance will get published on the Global Result List.
How to Choose the Best Running App
Everyone runs a bit differently. You might run for pleasure, to become healthier, to train for your next 5k or marathon, or you might love the supportive and competitive nature of a running community.
But no matter the type of runner you are, there’s a running app for you. Some apps you can use for free and others offer a subscription that unlocks additional features — it all depends on what you want to achieve and what you want to use the app for.
Do you want to track and monitor your speed, pace, distance, and time? Do you want to join a community that helps motivate and encourage you to reach your goals? Do you want to track your calories and lose weight?
Do you want to do all of that? Because if you do, there’s a running app for it.
Compete with Runners from Around the World
A Wings For Life World Run banner on a barricade with runners passing by
© Marc Müller for Wings for Life World Run
Registration is now open for the next Wings for Life World Run happening on May 4, 2025! If you're interested in taking part in an event that connects runners and wheelchair users globally with a fun, one-of-a-kind format and a compelling charitable objective, then simply click here to sign up.
What’s better than running for a good cause? Maybe being able to do it from absolutely anywhere in the world. If you can’t make it to one of the course locations, you can download the Wings for Life World Run App to still take part.
You can even create your own local race with family and friends. Head over to the Wings for Life World Run website to register, find out more information about this year’s event, and be part of a global movement to fund a cure for spinal cord injuries!