Road running has long been a popular way to exercise in order to stay fit, improve endurance and challenge yourself, whether you’re preparing for a race or simply enjoy the freedom of running outdoors. Indeed, one of the best aspects of road running is the accessibility it offers.
In recent years, a wide range of apps have emerged, designed to enhance the running experience by tracking performance, offering personalised training plans and helping runners stay motivated. With the right app, you can track essential metrics such as distance, pace and heart rate, plan new routes and even join virtual races or connect with other runners for added motivation.
Whether you’re a super experienced member of the unofficial “marathoner” club or merely a beginner just lacing up your trainers, there’s an app that can help you maximise your training, monitor progress and stay on top of your fitness goals.
From apps that provide detailed analytics to those that turn running into a fun, social experience, there are apps that’ll help you make the most out of your runs, regardless of what it is you’re lookig for.
The 8 Best Apps for Road Runners
There’s no doubt about the fact that training for a race (or even just a personal goal) can become a bit monotonous at times, and this is particularly true when it comes to road running – especially if you live in a city or you’re just running the same route over and over again.
Here are eight top-quality apps that not only make road running more enjoyable, but also help you in the training process.
Strava
Strava is easily one of the most popular and widely used apps in the road running community, offering a robust platform for tracking performance, sharing achievements and connecting with a global community.
It allows users to record routes, monitor pace and analyse data such as heart rate, elevation and speed. Of course, the features users have access to depend on whether or not they’re paid users.
Strava’s social features are key, enabling users to follow friends, join challenges and share activities. The app also integrates with numerous fitness devices, and with premium features like personalised coaching, it’s a great choice for those looking to take their training to the next level.
Runna
Runna is a dynamic and highly regarded app designed to help runners optimise their training and reach their goals. Whether you’re training for a 5k, marathon, or simply aiming to improve your overall fitness, Runna provides tailored training plans based on your specific needs and goals, and it’s for this reason that it’s become especially popular in the UK over the last year.
The app offers a personal touch, taking into account your current fitness level, previous running experience, and preferred race distance to create the perfect programme. Runna’s plans are progressive, ensuring you’re challenged at the right pace to avoid injury while still pushing your limits.
With features like easy-to-follow workouts, progress tracking and motivational reminders, Runna is an ideal choice for those serious about advancing their running journey.
In addition, it offers nutritional advice and wellness tips to complement your training and optimise performance. If you’re looking for a comprehensive and adaptable training companion, Runna could be just the app to take your running to the next level.
Runkeeper
Runkeeper is a user-friendly app designed to track running activities with precision. It records essential data like distance, pace and time, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned runners. With its GPS functionality, users can map out their routes and monitor progress over time.
The app also provides audio feedback, motivating users as they hit milestones. Runkeeper integrates with various fitness devices and offers personalised training plans to help users reach their goals. Its social features allow users to connect and compete with friends, making training both fun and rewarding.
Peleton
Peloton has become synonymous with interactive fitness, offering an array of live and on-demand workouts for both runners and cyclists. While the app is best known for its indoor cycling classes, these days, it also features running, strength training and yoga sessions.
Peloton’s running programme includes both guided runs and scenic routes, providing immersive experiences that motivate users to push themselves.
The app offers a community aspect, with users able to join group challenges, track their performance, and connect with fellow fitness enthusiasts. Peloton is great for athletes who enjoy variety and an engaging workout experience.
Footpath Route Planner
Footpath Route Planner is a highly regarded app for creating and exploring running routes. With a focus on simplicity, it allows users to draw custom routes on a map, making it ideal for planning new running paths.
The app calculates the distance and elevation profile of the route, ensuring users can easily gauge the difficulty of their runs. Footpath also integrates with other fitness apps and devices, enabling seamless data tracking.
Whether you’re looking for scenic routes or preparing for a race, Footpath helps runners design the perfect course, making it an essential planning tool.
Garmin Connect
Garmin Connect is the perfect companion for Garmin device users, offering a comprehensive platform for tracking, analysing, and sharing fitness data. The app syncs seamlessly with Garmin watches, allowing runners to monitor key metrics such as pace, heart rate, cadence, and cadence.
Garmin Connect provides personalised training plans, challenges, and performance insights, helping runners optimise their training and reach their goals. With its social features, users can connect with friends, join virtual races, and share achievements. Garmin Connect’s detailed analytics make it an invaluable tool for anyone serious about running and fitness.
Joggo
Joggo is a fitness app focused on helping runners achieve their personal goals with customised training plans. It offers a beginner-friendly approach to running, making it a great option for those just starting out or looking to improve their fitness.
The app provides tailored plans based on the user’s fitness level and objectives, gradually building stamina and endurance. Joggo includes workout reminders, progress tracking, and motivational features, ensuring users stay on track.
Whether you’re aiming to complete your first 5km run or train for a marathon, Joggo offers an approachable and effective way to achieve running success, because sometimes, it’s mostly about having the confidence to get started.
Zwift
Zwift brings an innovative approach to indoor running, combining fitness with virtual reality. This app offers an immersive experience where users can run in virtual worlds, joining group events or solo sessions. Zwift provides detailed performance metrics, allowing runners to track pace, distance, and calories burned.
The app features interactive courses and events that can be completed at your own pace or alongside other users, making it both a social and competitive platform that has become really popular in recen years.
Ideal for indoor runners training for road running events, Zwift adds fun and motivation to training while also fostering a sense of community through its virtual challenges.