Our favourite apps for running
Looking to up your running game but not sure which app is best for you? We've gathered some thoughts from our team about their favourite running apps to help you make an informed choice.
Strava
‘STRAVA or it didn’t happen…’ For tracking data, having a trophy cabinet of your best running times and keeping a watchful eye on your weekly running total: Strava is the winner. The app is super easy to navigate and is such a great tool in keeping you accountable during a running program / race prep. The social aspect means you can gamify your training and being able to monitor metrics like heart rate and cadence is great so you can really geek out on your progress. — Andy Cannon
The Premium feature on Strava does the thinking for you, calculates routes for your runs so you can just head out, pop your headphones on and go. It will verbally guide you through your ears where you need to go and on those big training plans like a Marathon - when route versatility becomes VITAL for your mental health 🤣 - it’s a game changer. — Alice Ferreira
Strava is the social media of running! I love using this app, as it shows me routes I can take to change things up, and I get to follow all of my friends who are also training. Being given kudos is the best little boost! — Paddy Horning-Phelps
Strava is my favourite app for running. I love the social element to Strava - whether I am giving kudos to my friends or seeing who follows my runs, Strava is a fantastic app to connect with other runners. I enjoy the challenges Strava sets that allows you to be competitive with yourself and also win some great prizes. — Isabella Clark
Map My Run
Map My Run is my go-to for planning out routes – not technically an app as you can’t unfortunately create new routes on their app, but you can on their website which is great. I’m not a huge fan of just heading out and seeing where I end up, so I use it every week to map out where I’m going to go, especially for my longer runs. You can then save the routes so you can access while out running or test those memory skills and try and remember all the turns! — Michelle Stoodley
Runna and Plotaroute
I use ‘Runna’ for my training plan which I find amazing, it also holds me accountable for my runs. Its super flexible so you can change your days week to week in which you want to run so it works around your schedule. It caters to you and what time your aiming for if you are wanting to set a goal and how many runs a week too which is great!
I also have been using ‘plotaroute’ – this has been great because I never like to go out on a run and just see where it takes me, especially my long practise runs I need to know where I’m going. — Nicole Le Rougetel
Nike Running App
I used the Nike Running App for my training and chose its marathon program. I liked how I could choose how long I wanted to train for and it broke it down into a version suitable for me. I really liked how I could pick the coaches voice who would be guiding me through the runs , it guided me through each run and as much as it was a little over the top sometimes I found it really encouraging; especially as I moved past the half marathon mark and above. — Jordan Cunningham
Choosing the right running app depends on what motivates you—whether it's data, community, structure, or flexibility. Strava seems to stand out for its social connectivity and performance tracking, while Map My Run and Plotaroute are great for planners who like to map out their routes. Runna offers a personalised training plan that adapts to your schedule, and the Nike Running App provides a motivating, coach-led experience. No matter which you pick, the best app is the one that keeps you moving, motivated, and loving the run.