Whether you’re just starting your running journey or you’ve already clocked in countless miles, tracking your progress can make all the difference. Running apps are an incredible way to stay motivated, chart your growth, and keep you on pace for your goals. With the vast number of apps available, choosing the right one can feel a little overwhelming. Don’t worry — this guide will help you find the perfect running app that fits your needs and gets you excited about every run.

Let’s explore some of the best running apps for tracking your performance, available right now. These apps can help you track everything from distance and speed to calorie burn and route mapping, all from the convenience of your phone. The best part? Many of these apps pair seamlessly with products available on Amazon—like fitness trackers and smartwatches—that take your running experience to the next level.

1. Strava: Where Performance Meets Community

If you’ve spent any time around runners, you might have heard of Strava. It’s one of the most popular running apps, and for good reason. Strava is fantastic for tracking your pace, distance, elevation gain, and calories burned. It even has some of the best social features available, allowing you to share your runs and see what your friends are up to.

Key Features:

• Tracks GPS data to measure your route, pace, and splits.
• Segment competitions let you compete with other Strava users on popular running paths.
• Connects with smartwatches and heart rate monitors for enhanced data.

Strava is available for both iOS and Android, and it syncs with popular fitness trackers like the Garmin Forerunner 45 or the Apple Watch Series 8 (both available on Amazon). These gadgets will help you fully optimize your use of Strava by providing even more accurate heart rate and pace data.

2. Nike Run Club: Your Personal Coach

Nike Run Club is an incredible option if you’re looking for an app that combines ease of use with excellent training programs. This app is loaded with guided runs, motivational coaches, and challenges to keep you focused. It tracks your pace, distance, heart rate, and more, making it one of the best choices for runners of all experience levels.

Key Features:

• Guided audio runs led by professional coaches and athletes.
• Customizable training programs that adapt based on your progress.
• Ability to share and compare results with friends to build a community.

Nike Run Club pairs particularly well with Apple AirPods Pro for the guided runs, offering clear audio while staying secure in your ears—even during those sweaty sprints. These wireless earbuds have consistently high ratings on Amazon, making them a great companion for your training sessions.

3. Map My Run by Under Armour: Precision Route Tracking

If you’re a runner who loves to discover new routes or has a goal to explore every inch of your city, Map My Run is perfect for you. Powered by Under Armour, this app specializes in route mapping and distance tracking. It provides detailed information about your route, including elevation and split times, making it a valuable tool for runners who thrive on variety.

Key Features:

• Routes feature allows you to discover new paths and track your own.
• Community challenges to keep you motivated.
• Syncs with wearables such as Under Armour’s HOVR shoes, which provide real-time stats.

The Under Armour HOVR Infinite 3 running shoes available on Amazon are a solid pairing with Map My Run. These shoes come equipped with Bluetooth sensors that can directly sync with the app, allowing you to track your data without your phone.

4. Runkeeper: Track Every Step

Runkeeper is another top choice among runners looking for accurate tracking and easy-to-use features. Runkeeper, owned by ASICS, is ideal for everyone from beginners to seasoned marathoners. This app focuses on setting and achieving goals, whether it’s running faster, longer, or just being consistent.

Key Features:

• Real-time tracking of pace, distance, and time.
• Goal-setting features with training plans tailored to specific needs.
• Audio cues and coaching during runs to help you stay on track.

Pairing Runkeeper with a Garmin Vívosmart 4 fitness tracker will give you insights into your runs as well as your overall fitness, such as your sleep quality and heart rate—all available with a quick Amazon search.

5. Adidas Running App (formerly Runtastic): Data and Challenges

Adidas Running is a powerful app for tracking your runs and integrating other aspects of your fitness routine. Adidas Running not only allows you to track your pace and distance, but it also includes features like virtual races, challenges, and voice coaching that keeps you going, whether you’re running on the treadmill or exploring new trails.

Key Features:

• Virtual races and challenges to keep you motivated.
• Live tracking so friends or family can follow your progress in real-time (great for races!).
• Detailed post-run statistics to understand your performance trends.

If you’re looking to track heart rate while using Adidas Running, consider pairing it with the Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor, a highly-rated product on Amazon known for its precision. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect the monitor to the app to get accurate heart rate data and further tailor your workouts.

6. C25K: From Couch to 5K

If you’re just starting out on your running journey, C25K is one of the best apps for beginners. The Couch to 5K program (hence C25K) helps you build from zero running experience to completing a 5K in eight weeks. The app provides gradual training programs with audio cues to keep you motivated without overwhelming you.

Key Features:

• Structured 8-week training program designed for beginners.
• Audio coach guides you when to run and when to walk.
• Tracks your progress and builds your confidence gradually.

C25K is a beginner-friendly app that pairs well with a Fitbit Inspire 3 fitness tracker, available on Amazon. The Fitbit Inspire 3 will help you keep an eye on your daily steps, calories burned, and overall activity level, perfectly complementing your C25K journey.

7. Zwift: For the Tech-Loving Treadmill Runner

If running indoors is your go-to, Zwift could be the ideal running app for you. Originally made for cyclists, Zwift now has a running component that allows you to run in virtual worlds from the comfort of your treadmill. You can run alongside others in a gamified environment, making treadmill running far more enjoyable and interactive.

Key Features:

• Virtual worlds to keep you engaged during treadmill runs.
• Group runs and events where you can join and run alongside others.
• Ability to customize your avatar and environment.

Pair Zwift with the Garmin Foot Pod to accurately measure your pace and cadence indoors. The Garmin Foot Pod, available on Amazon, clips easily onto your shoe to send data directly to the Zwift app, ensuring you have the most precise stats.

8. Pumatrac: A Personal Touch to Running

Pumatrac is a running app with a personal touch, offering tailored insights into your workouts. Pumatrac doesn’t just track your mileage—it also keeps track of other influences, like weather, time of day, and day of the week, to give you a better understanding of when you’re at your best.

Key Features:

• Insights into your personal running preferences, including your favorite weather or time of day to run.
• Integration with your Spotify playlists for perfect workout music.
• Challenges and badges to motivate you to keep improving.

The Trekz Titanium Bone Conduction Headphones, available on Amazon, are a great companion to this app. With open-ear design, you can safely hear your surroundings while you stay pumped up with your favorite running beats.

9. Endomondo: Versatile Workout Tracker

Though not purely a running app, Endomondo is worth mentioning because of its versatility. Endomondo tracks over 60 different activities, including running, walking, and cycling. If you enjoy switching things up with cross-training, Endomondo might be the perfect app to track all of your workouts in one place.

Key Features:

• Multi-sport tracking, ideal for runners who do other activities like cycling or strength training.
• In-app challenges to keep you motivated.
• Real-time audio feedback on your progress.

The JBL Endurance Sprint Wireless Earbuds are an excellent Amazon choice for pairing with Endomondo. With their sweatproof design and secure fit, they are great for all the different workouts you might track.

10. MyFitnessPal: Nutrition and Running in Harmony

For many runners, keeping track of nutrition is just as important as tracking miles. MyFitnessPal is a wonderful complement to any running app on this list. It helps you log your meals, count calories, and understand how your nutrition affects your running performance.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use food diary to track calories and macros.
• Barcode scanner for quick food logging.
• Syncs with other running apps to provide a complete picture of calories burned and consumed.

Pair MyFitnessPal with the Withings Body+ Smart Scale from Amazon to monitor your weight, BMI, and body composition as you progress with your running journey. Seeing the effects of your workouts reflected in the data can be extremely motivating.

Final Thoughts

Finding the Perfect Fit

When it comes to choosing the best running app for tracking your performance, it really comes down to what motivates you and what kind of features you need. If you’re all about community and friendly competition, Strava might be your best bet. If you’re starting from scratch, C25K offers a welcoming approach. Those looking to train like an elite athlete may find Nike Run Club’s coaching options invaluable.

Remember, pairing the right app with the right accessories—like the Garmin Vívosmart 4, Apple AirPods Pro, or Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor—can enhance your running experience, providing more precise data and making your workouts more enjoyable.

Take some time to try a few of these apps to see which one clicks for you. Every runner is different, and finding the right combination of motivation, community, and data tracking is key to making running not just a workout, but a lifelong habit. Now, lace up those shoes, grab your phone, and get ready to hit the road or trail. Happy running!