Lace Up Those Sneakers: Here Are The Best Running Apps In 2024

Chances are you’ve heard of Strava—even if you’re not a runner, ‘cause your cycling and running friends are no doubt obsessed (and for good reason too). This sporty social networks allows you to connect with fellow runners, follow your friends, be motivated by their achievements and even set up group challenges. Of course, if you just want to run for yourself, Strava has got you covered with all the usual tracking features, as well as some nifty extras like the Strava Beacon, which is designed to keep you safe by sharing your live running location with a loved one. You can access more advanced features with the premium version, available from $8.33 a month.

KICRUN is your go-to app for building confidence and fitness, no matter where you are on your running journey. Whether you're starting with a 0-3 km plan or gearing up for your first half-marathon, KICRUN’s programs let you progress at your own pace. With expert guidance from Laura Henshaw, you’ll stay motivated with tips on mindset, breathing, and form. But there’s more than just running on offer—KICRUN also gives you access to on-demand Pilates, yoga, strength training, and healthy recipes for a complete wellness experience. Wanting to experience KICRUN IRL? The program also hosts a run cub every Saturday in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Start with a free 7-day trial, and unlock all this for $2.20 per week. 

For a more personalised approach to your training, Runna is the app you need. Whether you’re gearing up for your first 5k or pushing toward an ultramarathon, Runna’s tailored training plans are designed to help you crush your goals with confidence. With expert guidance from world-class coaches covering everything from interval training to tapering, you’ll have the support you need every step of the way. Plus, seamless device integration lets you sync your plan or individual workouts directly to your running watch. Start your journey with a free week, and if you're ready to commit to smashing your PB, you can subscribe for just $29.99 a month.

In true Nike style, they’ve got one of the best running apps on the market with Nike Run Club. Designed for beginners and veteran runners alike, this app offers audio-guided workouts, weekly and monthly distance challenges and personalised coaching plans. Connect to your music apps to curate the perfect adrenaline-pumping playlist and connect with your friends for extra motivation. 

Adidas Running (formally known as Runtastic) is designed to help you smash your goals in your next marathon by saving all your running routes, training runs, stats and health info in one convenient app. You can post your stats to Facebook or Twitter directly from the app for some encouragement from your circle, and reminders and goal setting will keep you motivated to beat your personal records.

When a running app is developed by one of the best exercise brands around, you know it’s going to be a goodie. Map My Run (which was created by Under Armour) is one of the most comprehensive running apps, with cool features like audio coaching, route finding and all your usual real-time stats, like course, speed, time and total distance. If you’re one of these people who never know when it’s time to say goodbye to a pair of shoes, Map My Run has got you sorted, with an inbuilt Gear Tracker that will notify you when it’s time for a new pair of their smart kicks. While many of the features are available for free, a paid subscription starts from $9.99 a month. 

Peloton is for the runners who prefer to clock their kilometres on a treadmill, and is one of the best running apps on the market specific to indoor running. You’ll be coached by experienced trainers via your phone, tablet, smart TV or computer, and can tailor your runs by time or distance. We can confirm the classes are extremely motivating (and get a sweat up too), with sessions ranging from ten-minute sprint training to endurance runs. Peloton offers a free trial so you can explore the app, and after that, it starts from $14.08 per month.