The 7 best free running apps
Running is a great way to get fit, relieve stress and get some fresh air, but sometimes you just need a bit of support and encouragement. Now that many of us are running through lockdown, we’ve put together a list of free apps that'll keep you moving when the going gets tough.
1. Best app for beginner runners
If you’re thinking about running for the first time or if you’re returning to running after taking a break due to your health, the Couch to 5k app is a good place to start and it’s approved by the NHS.
As its name suggests, the Couch to 5k plan helps you work your way up to a 5km run over a 9-week period. To start with, you’ll do a mix of running and walking so you can build your endurance and strength. You also run only three times a week, with time to rest in-between.
For extra motivation, you can listen to the weekly podcasts narrated by different coaches who explain when you need to run and when you need to walk. You can also listen to music to get you going through the workout.
2. Best all-round app for tech-savvy runners
For accurate stats and seamless integration with your favourite smart watch, Nike Run Club will be right up your street.
If you want to improve your form or simply become a better runner, go for a guided run with motivational Nike coaches and athletes. Whatever your mood – if you’re feeling low, stressed, or up for a challenge – there is a guided run to suit your exercise goals. Some of the challenges on the app include a weekly challenge to run 15km, monthly challenge to run up to 100km, and a half-marathon challenge.
The app lives up to its name and allows you to engage in friendly competition with your community through the Leaderboard. If you’re interested in learning about other communities outside your circle, you can access free workouts and events from around the world.
3. Best app for marathon training
The thought of running a marathon – even a half marathon – might sound daunting, but Marathon and Half-Marathon Trainer helps you to gradually increase your fitness levels. It includes three ready-made training plans for three or four months, with four workout days a week. However, you can edit these to suit your requirements.
Features include a GPS running map, audio instructions, detailed running statistics, calorie counter, and detailed tips on running, nutrition and lifestyle. It also includes easy access to audio books, podcasts and “the best running music”, which adjusts to your running speed.
4. Best app for adventurous runners
If you enjoy a good adventure or simply like being organised, MapMyRun is a popular app for discovering new routes and planning your run in advance. Just create an account on the website and login to plan out your routes. You don't always have to use MapMyRun to track your run, but you can use the route map from the website.
The app tracks your pace, distance, elevation and calories burned. You can also add information about the food you've eaten. If your friends use MapMyRun, you can set group challenges and track progress on the Leaderboard.
MapMyRun is owned by Under Armour, so you can sync your running shoes with the app if you happen to own a pair of Under Armour smart running shoes.
5. Best app for making running fun
The Zombies, Run! has been played by over a million runners, making it the biggest smartphone fitness game - ever. You have to gather supplies, rescue survivors and defend your home to ensure the future of humanity.
You can play anywhere in the world, and it doesn’t matter if you walk, jog or run. You’ll hear your mission and music through your headphones, and if you’re chased by zombies, you’ll have to speed up, so it’s like interval training. Runners’ reviews are effusive. One said: “Just finished Season 2 of Zombies, Run! That makes 470km in total. I can’t believe it.” Another said: “Obsessed with Zombie Run, one month in and 10 pounds down. Yessss!”
6. Best classic running app
A firm favourite among runners, Runtastic scored an average rating of 4.5 out of five 5 in customer ratings, left by a whopping half a million people. The app uses GPS to map and track fitness activities, such as running, jogging, biking, walking, hiking and many more. And it records duration, distance, elevation change, and calories burned. The Runtastic school of apps comprises around 20 apps (some free, some not), covering other activities such as push ups and a “butt trainer”.
7. Best app for a clean and simple layout
The new breed of Smart Phone is just as much an accessory as a designer handbag. So you might want a running app that is equally sleek and chic. You don’t need to look further than Human: Activity Tracker app. The minimalist design features a black screen and stylish fonts, combined with images of stunning cityscapes and landscapes. It’s got a pretty good blog too.
The app has been kept simple and the goal is simply to move 30 minutes each day – the “Daily 30”. It tracks location, speed, acceleration and calories. If you tap on an activity, you will see a map, along with the duration, distance and average speed. Its founder Renato Valdes Olmos based the app on his own experience of getting healthy. He reduced his weight from 320lbs to 176lbs by making small and simple life changes, such as walking instead of taking the car, cycling or taking the stairs.