Best Fitness Apps for Running

Whether you're lacing up your running shoes for the first time, a casual runner hitting the sidewalks for fitness, or you're chasing a marathon personal record, there's a whole host of smartphone apps that can help you up your running game. From essential GPS-based run trackers to downloads that offer something a little bit different, here are some of the best fitness apps for runners of all levels.

The usual suspects: The GPS tracking apps

When you search for running apps on either the iOS or the Google Play apps stores some very familiar names pop up: Strava, Runkeeper, Runtastic, MapMyRun, Endomondo, Nike+ Run Club. These apps are primarily built for one purpose, to track how far and how fast you run. They use your cellphone's GPS to map routes and deliver basic run metrics like pace, distance, speed, elevation and mile splits.

But they've all evolved to offer much more besides the basics too. Like Nike's addition of real-time audio coaching or meditation guides to help clear your mind as you pound the pavements. Strava meanwhile feels more like a Facebook for runners these days letting you keep a closer eye on your running friends and even throw them some kudos when they hit a PR. Even the Adidas-owned Runtastic lets you download audiobook-style stories with imaginative narratives from science fiction to travel, to bring your runs to life. Just be aware that even though these apps are free, unlocking some of the features beyond the basics will require a monthly or annual subscription.

Sweatcoin

Cryptocurrency – digital currency that uses advanced encryption techniques for security – is a big buzzword right now and Sweatcoin literally lets you earn while you burn. You can turn your running miles into virtual currency you can spend to buy real world rewards, including everything from phone cases to televisions. The app is always on, counting steps as you go about your day so it's seriously easy to use, and because miles mean money, it's a great motivator to run more.

On the downside, there's a cap on how many coins you can earn a day (5 Sweatcoins (SWC) on the free account, more for paid accounts), and you need to save up a serious stash of coins to earn the most desirable rewards. An iPhone X, which costs 20,000 SWC, would take 4,000 days to earn at 5 SWC per day. That's almost 11 years.

Price: Free (with in-app purchases)

Download: iOS / Android

WeavRun

WeavRun is all about keeping a good running tempo. The idea is that if you have music to match your tempo, you'll be motivated to stay out running for longer and it can even boost your performance. The app works using a catalogue of tracks specifically engineered to match and adapt in real-time to your movement whether you're going fast or taking things slow. The app works outdoors and on the treadmill and is compatible with the likes of Strava, letting you post runs on your preferred running app. Right now, you can only listen to WeavRun's own curated playlists and it's only available for iPhone users. Sorry Android fans.

Price: Free

Download: iOS

Saucony Stride Lab

Save yourself a trip to a running shop and do your own gait analysis right from your smartphone. The Stride Lab puts a biomechanics lab in the palm of your hand, using your phone's sensors to track your movement through a series of tests designed to evaluate your running style. Once you've been through the initial assessments, the app identifies the areas that might need help and offers a customized plan with exercises and drills to help fix your running form. This is another iPhone only app on the list and it sadly doesn't track your runs, but it is a free way to take a closer look at your technique.

Price: Free

Download: iOS

Fitbit Coach

You don't have to own a Fitbit to take advantage of this personalized training app with its series of workouts, including a selection of running-focused sessions that adapt to your progress by varying the difficulty and duration of exercises. Whether it's leg day or you need a workout to boost endurance and explosiveness for race day, Coach has got you covered.

The addition of real-time audio coaching, providing training guidance over your headphones, is another extra for running beginners. The coaches can guide you through the basics of dynamic interval running or even give you an introduction to trail running. If you own Fitbit's smartwatch, you can follow some of the workouts from your wrist. To reap the full benefits of Fitbit Coach, such as unlimited access to all the workout videos and plans, you'll also need to go Premium, which will cost you $7.99 a month or $39.99 a year.

Price: Free (in-app purchases)

Download: iOS / Android

Endur8

Whether you're doing a marathon or a 50 mile ultra, refueling is important and is often a neglected part of race preparation. This useful app lets you upload a route or a running event, along with personal stats such as your height, weight, and then calculates the optimum time for you to take on sustenance. It plots points along your route and then uses Google's mapping software to alert you in real-time when you need to refuel along the way. Reminders are sent via push notifications and audio prompts and still work even if you are using another running app to track performance. The app also offers training plans, though a quarterly ($9.49) or annual ($27.99) premium subscription is needed to unlock these additional features.

Price: Free

Download: iOS

Lumo Run

While it's built to be used with the Lumo Run wearable sensor, which tracks your running form, this companion app still offers a host of useful video training drills. All focused on strength and flexibility, they are designed specifically to help improve running form. That should in turn help you pick up the pace for faster times. It will also track your runs using your phone's GPS. But, if you want the full experience with real-time feedback on a range of running dynamics, investing in the Lumo Run wearable sensor to go with the free app is definitely recommended.

Price: Free

Download: iOS

Nike+ Run Club

Formerly Nike+ Running, there's much more to this app than a simple name change. It still does the basics of pace, distance and mapping well enough, but the real standout feature is the growing selection of real-time audio coached sessions from athletes like Mo Farah that focus on improving endurance, speed and strength. There are guided runs that include that very first run if you're a beginner, up to harder interval sessions for those with more experience. They can also be matched with Apple Music and Spotify and intervals are even automatically marked during your sessions.

Price: Free

Download: iOS / Android (BETA)

Hudl Technique

Another app for analyzing your running form, Hudl Technique lets you record your running action and review it in super slow motion. You can compare two videos side-by-side, zoom in to closely analyze movement and share videos with someone that might be able to better identify issues with your running form. It's quite technical, and definitely won't be every runner's cup of Gatorade, but if you're interested in seeing things like how you run in different shoes, this is a tool for getting deep into the detail.

Price: Free

Download: iOS

RunGo

Like a helpful and geographically aware child of Google Maps and a regular satellite navigation system, RunGo provides turn-by-turn audio navigation to point you in the right direction on your running routes, so you don't need to look at your phone. It works in cities across the globe and is compatible with the Apple Watch as well. Now you're free to run and explore without getting lost.

Price: Free

Download: iOS / Android (BETA)

iSmoothRun

One of the most comprehensive running apps, iSmoothRun covers the usual tracking basics, but also offers training tools and insights to make the most of your workouts. Compatible with a host of external devices like footpods and heart rate sensors, you can use it to create interval workouts, race against yourself and even log weather conditions. On the downside, it's not be the prettiest of apps, but there's plenty going on here to justify the one-off purchase price.

Price: $4.99

Download: iOS

RaceRunner

If you're motivated by some good old fashioned competition, this app lets you join virtual races and compete against others around the world in real-time. RaceRunner users create virtual races and participants simply need to head out and complete the distance at the same time. During the run, you'll be able to see your position, distance covered so far and which runners are behind and ahead. In case you're thinking about cheating (not that you would of course), the app uses artificial intelligence to know if you've jumped into an Uber or on your bike to get ahead of the pack. It doesn't integrate with Strava to record runs, but overall it's a great way to make running a more social experience.

Price: Free

Download: iOS / Android