Having a smartphone in your pocket has revolutionized the way we train, especially for those who want to Run or jog and get the most out of your physical activityNowadays, there are apps that accurately track your progress, create personalized routes, suggest workouts, and even turn every run into a fun and social experience. This not only motivates you to improve your fitness, but also allows you to compare your progress, find inspiration with challenges, and gamify the process so that running never feels monotonous again.
Why use running apps? Key benefits and advantages
The rise of running apps has made logbooks and traditional stopwatches obsolete. Now, with an app on your phone, you can:
- Record statistics of your workouts: distance, pace, speed, calories and elevation.
- Plan progressively: from beginner routines to personalized plans for a half marathon or longer.
- Motivate yourself with challenges and achievements: Unlock digital medals and compete with yourself or your friends in the community.
- Enjoy voice guides and coaching: messages of encouragement and guidance during the race.
- Synchronize devices: smartwatches, activity bracelets and heart rate sensors.
- Gamify training: Become the protagonist of stories, complete missions or escape from zombies.
With all this, choosing the right running app can make the difference between giving up after a few days or establishing a healthy habit for life.
Runkeeper: Routes, training plans, and motivation
Runkeeper is, without a doubt, One of the most established apps for runners of all levelsDeveloped by ASICS, it stands out for its intuitive interface and the number of features it offers in its free version:
- GPS tracking of your routes in real time with detailed maps.
- Personalized training plans, designed for both beginners and those looking to break records.
- Motivational audio and continuous feedback during the race, compatible with Spotify and Apple Music.
- Challenges and achievements to measure yourself against friends or the global community.
- Integration with wearables such as smart watches or smartbands (Garmin, Fitbit, Xiaomi, Polar, among others).
- Connection with health apps such as Google Fit and MyFitnessPal, allowing comprehensive control of activity and nutrition.
The premium option adds advanced analytics, coach-led workouts, and exclusive challenges. social system It is ideal for those looking to feel part of a community or share goals and results.
Nike Run Club: Global Community and Elite Coaches
Nike Run Club has put together one of the largest and most active running communities in the worldThis app is completely free and offers:
- Progressive and adaptive training plans according to your experience and objective.
- Audio-guided races with the voices of Nike trainers and professional athletes who inspire you every mile.
- Detailed statistics about distance, time, pace, elevation, calories, heart rate and much more.
- Full integration with Google Fit and Apple Health for data logging across all your platforms.
- System of achievements, medals and challenges to stay motivated alongside friends or runners from around the world.
- share your results on social media with custom images, stickers, and community comments.
The most outstanding Its variety of goal-guided workouts (endurance, speed, recovery), and an unparalleled social experience that allows challenge, compare and support yourself with thousands of users.
Strava: Segments, Challenges, and Multisport Analysis
Strava is much more than a running app: it's a social platform for athletes of all kinds. Its strong point is the advanced analytics and the competitive component which offers through:
- Segments: Divide your routes into sections and compete to achieve the best time among users.
- Monthly challenges and achievements worldwide, ideal for maintaining motivation.
- Multisport support: running, cycling, swimming, hiking, skiing and more.
- Automatic synchronization with GPS devices from Garmin, Polar, Suunto, Apple Watch and other wearables.
- Creating and exploring routes designed by the community.
- Social feedback: Receive messages, kudos (likes) and comments from other athletes.
The premium version unlocks very detailed analysis of performance, training plans and the exclusive function of Beacon, which shares your location in real time for added security. It's the ideal app if you want Analyze your progress, connect with athletes, and explore new routes.
Adidas Running by Runtastic: Complete customization for all types of sports
Adidas Running, formerly known as Runtastic, is a complete solution for many types of activities, from running and cycling to hiking, yoga, and home workouts. Its main features include:
- GPS route logging and accurate analysis of the route, distance, pace, speed, calories and altitude.
- Personalized and goal-oriented training plans (lose weight, prepare for 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon races).
- Global challenges and user community to compete and motivate you daily.
- Integration with smartwatches and heart rate sensors.
- Advanced statistics, graphs and weekly, monthly and annual evolution.
- Tracking your running shoes' mileage to know when it is time to renew them.
- Powersong function to select the song that motivates you the most at the key moment of your workout.
The premium version gives access to specific training, advanced plans and more comprehensive data analysis. It stands out for its friendly interface, health details and compatibility with most devices.
MapMyRun: Explore routes and connect with your equipment
MapMyRun, developed by Under Armour, is ideal for those who seek inspiration to find new routes and want complete tracking of their activity. You can visit the section apps for hiking and routes to expand your options.
- Create, explore and share routes with other users, accessing millions of routes around the world.
- GPS tracking distance, pace, time and calories burned.
- Compatibility with Under Armour smart shoes: Monitor your stride length, cadence, and receive real-time feedback.
- Challenges and communities to compete and improve yourself month after month.
- Synchronization with Google Fit, Garmin and other devices to centralize your data.
- Personalized training plans and real-time voice comments.
ASICS Runkeeper: Ease of use and personalized training
ASICS Runkeeper is highly appreciated by its simplicity and effectiveness. Perfect for those who want keep a clear record of your progress and have a training plan that evolves with them. You can find more information in our training section. apps to record time and progress.
- Accurate recording of routes, pace, duration and calories in every training.
- Tailored training plans that can be adjusted to your level, goal and schedule.
- Audio motivation and automatic reminders so as not to abandon the habit.
- Integration with Spotify and Apple Music to liven up your sporting adventure.
- Visual and comparative statistics to analyze your evolution.
- Sync with Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, and other wearables.
Google Fit: Simplicity and synchronized health
Google Fit is the reference health app for Android users who want centralize all your physical activity with a minimalist and simple interface. Within this section, you can also consult the Best apps for running on your phone to expand your options.
- Automatic recording of steps, kilometers, calories and duration of training.
- Displaying heart rate points and activity rings, encouraging people to meet the daily goals recommended by the WHO.
- Synchronization with other running apps like Strava, Nike Run Club and more.
- Support for Wear OS smartwatches and heart rate monitors.
- Weekly, monthly, and yearly progress history.
Zombies, Run!: Running has never been so much fun
Zombies, Run! takes motivation to the next level by turning your workouts into a immersive video game-like adventureThis app is perfect if you struggle with running and need a good incentive. You can also discover ways to find inspiration to maintain your routine.
- More than 300 narrated missions in which you must escape from zombies, collect supplies and complete objectives while advancing in an immersive story.
- Compatible with both running and walking, being able to adjust the intensity and distance according to your level.
- Motivating audio clips and immersive sound effects created by renowned novelist Naomi Alderman.
- Sync data to the cloud and access your progress from any device.
- Complete routine statistics: speed, distance, pace and calories.
- Multiplayer mode and challenges with friends in the premium version.
Fitbit: The wearable ally for runners
Fitbit has earned its place thanks to the accuracy of your smartbands and smartwatchesIf you are a user of these devices, their app is essential for keep the most complete record possible of your workoutsTo expand your possibilities, consult our section on apps related to health and sports.
- Automatic and accurate recording of steps, distance, calories and heart rate.
- Advanced sleep and recovery analysis, integrating rest data with training data.
- Graphs, trends and evolution over time.
- Social challenges, groups and the opportunity to share achievements.
- Compatible with Android and iOS mobile devices for users without Fitbit devices.
Other recommended apps for runners
- Couch to 5K (C25K): Ideal for those starting from scratch, it offers 8-week programs combining walking and running to achieve 5 kilometers without stress or injury.
- Sports tracker: One of the pioneering apps in digital running that continues to stand out for its accurate maps, advanced statistics, and compatibility with multiple devices and activities.
- pumatrac: Puma's app that, in addition to tracking your runs, offers curated playlists, training tips, and fun facts to motivate you every day with a modern interface.
- relive: Designed for runners, cyclists, and hikers, it lets you view your route on 3D maps, add photos, and create animated stories to share the full experience of each workout.
- RunMotion Coach: A virtual coach who customizes plans based on goals, level, and schedule, with daily progress tracking and interaction with real coaches in the premium version.
- V.O2: Running Coach: Focused on improving performance, it offers advanced fitness analysis, personalized pace, and goal-based race plans, perfect for those looking to take their training to the next level.
- FITAPP: Highly valued for those who alternate between walking, running, and other outdoor activities; it manages statistics, displays routes colored by speed, and can connect to heart rate sensors.
- De 0 a 5000: specific to achieve your first 5K with a virtual coach who alternates walking and running while progressively increasing your resistance.
- Stride and Toteemi: Apps that gamify the experience by allowing you to compete for territories, battle with other runners, and earn prizes and rewards based on your activity.
Each of these apps has specific features that can be tailored to different training goals, levels, and preferences. The bottom line is Choose the one that best suits your personal goal, tastes and technical needs (device compatibility, advanced data analysis, gamification, or just basic registration). Today more than ever, There are no excuses not to start runningWhether you're looking to improve your health, lose weight, improve your times, prepare for a race, or simply break out of your routine, there's a running app that will make your journey easier, motivate you, and make every mile a unique experience. Choose your favorite, customize your workout, and hit start: your well-being and personal growth are just a step away. Start running today and see how far you can go!