9 Best Apps to Help You Start Running: A Quick Guide to Getting Fit

Marathon Running

One thing I love about running is that it ‘s not only accessible to many but an effective form of exercise. The most difficult step in becoming a runner is getting started. The good news? There’s an an app to get you started—several, in fact!

A good running app can provide motivation, structure, and tracking tools to help you reach your goals.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best apps that can help you start running and make it a part of your lifestyle.

What Are Some Apps That Can Help You Start Running?

1. Couch to 5K (C25K)

  • Best For: Complete beginners
  • Available On: iOS, Android

If you are a complete beginner or you are coming back from a long break, then I would suggest you try Couch to 5K (C25K). It’s designed to help beginners ease into running by gradually building up your endurance over eight weeks, ultimately enabling you to run a 5K (3.1 miles) without stopping. The program alternates between running and walking intervals, and as the weeks go by, the running portions increase in length.

Once I hear begin running or start walking, I immediately think of C25K and the relief I feel during each interval.

Why It’s Great:

  • Structured 8-week program
  • Clear progression for new runners
  • Audio cues that guide you through each session
  • Ability to track progress and adjust as needed
  • Integration with your favorite music apps

2. Nike Run Club

  • Best For: All skill levels
  • Available On: iOS, Android

Nike Run Club is one of the most comprehensive free running apps available. This app provides a variety of training programs and guided runs to suit the needs of both beginners and experienced runners. For beginners, the app offers tailored plans that adapt to your progress, while also providing audio-guided runs that feature motivational tips from professional athletes and coaches.

Why It’s Great:

  • Personalized training plans for all fitness levels
  • Guided runs with motivational commentary
  • Tracks distance, pace, and time with detailed analytics
  • Syncs with Apple Watch and other fitness devices
  • Engaging community features with challenges and achievements

3. Strava

  • Best For: Tracking progress and joining a community
  • Available On: iOS, Android

Strava is great not only for running but also for cycling and other outdoor activities. It has great GPS tracking capabilities allowing you to measure your distance, pace, and elevation accurately. What makes Strava stand out, especially for beginners, is its vibrant community. You can follow friends, join clubs, and participate in challenges, making it a great way to stay motivated. You are able to view posts about your friends activities, which can often be motivating.

Why It’s Great:

  • Accurate GPS tracking with detailed performance stats
  • Share and compare runs with friends and other athletes
  • Join local and global running clubs
  • Built-in social features like leaderboards and kudos
  • Track progress with insights on running routes

4. Runkeeper

  • Best For: Structured plans and goal setting
  • Available On: iOS, Android

Owned by ASICS, Runkeeper is a highly-rated running app that helps runners of all levels set and achieve their goals. With its easy-to-use interface, Runkeeper allows you to track your runs, set goals (like distance or pace), and follow personalized plans. It offers different training programs, including beginner plans to help you get from walking to running consistently.

Why It’s Great:

  • Goal-setting features for specific outcomes (e.g., time, distance)
  • Personalized coaching and audio cues during runs
  • Tracks pace, distance, and calories burned
  • Integrates with Apple Watch, Fitbit, and other fitness trackers
  • Customizable training plans for 5Ks, marathons, and more

5. Garmin Connect

  • Best For: Fitness enthusiasts of all levels
  • Available On: iOS, Android

Garmin Connect is an essential companion app for anyone using a Garmin fitness tracker or device. It allows you to track and analyze your workouts, health stats, and progress in real-time. Whether you’re running, cycling, swimming, or hitting the gym, Garmin Connect helps you monitor your performance and set personal fitness goals. You can also join challenges, connect with friends, and sync your activities for a more interactive experience.

Why It Stands Out:

  • Comprehensive tracking of workouts and health metrics
  • Personalized fitness insights and progress reports
  • Customizable goals and challenges for motivation
  • Seamless integration with Garmin devices
  • Social features to connect with the Garmin community

6. MapMyRun

  • Best For: Route planning and detailed metrics
  • Available On: iOS, Android

Owned by Under Armour, MapMyRun is one of the best apps for beginners who want detailed tracking of their runs. It includes features like GPS mapping, real-time stats on your pace, distance, and elevation, and it can even suggest new running routes based on your location. The app offers both free and premium versions, with the latter including advanced features such as personalized training plans and real-time coaching.

Why It’s Great:

  • Detailed stats on every run, including pace, distance, and elevation
  • Route planning tools for discovering new places to run
  • Integration with fitness devices and Under Armour gear
  • Ability to set goals and track your progress toward them
  • Large community for motivation and support

7. Pacer

  • Best For: Walking and gradual progression into running
  • Available On: iOS, Android

If you’re not quite ready to dive into running but want to build up to it gradually, Pacer is a great option. This app focuses on both walking and running, making it perfect for beginners who want to start with walking and slowly transition to running. It tracks your steps, calories burned, and distance, while also offering guided workouts that progress in intensity.

Why It’s Great:

  • Tracks both walking and running
  • Great for beginners who want to ease into running
  • Offers guided workouts and challenges
  • Monitors steps, calories burned, and heart rate
  • Social features to connect with friends and stay motivated

8. Running Walker Tracker Goals

  • Best For: Runners of all levels
  • Available On: iOS, Android

Running Walker Tracker Goals is an app designed to help you stay active by tracking your walking and running activities. This app can help you start running. It allows you to set and achieve daily, weekly, or monthly goals, while monitoring your steps, distance, and calories burned. The app also provides detailed insights into your progress, making it easy to stay motivated and improve your fitness over time.

Why It’s Great:

  • Tracks walking and running distances, steps, and calories burned
  • Goal-setting options for daily, weekly, or monthly challenges
  • Progress tracking with detailed activity reports
  • Integration with fitness wearables for accurate data
  • Motivational features like badges and reminders to keep you on track

9. ASICS Runkeeper

  • Best For: Runners of all levels
  • Available On: iOS, Android

ASICS Runkeeper is a versatile app designed to help you track your runs, set goals, and stay motivated. The app offers GPS tracking for outdoor activities like running, walking, and cycling. With personalized plans, progress tracking, and audio cues to guide you through your workouts, Runkeeper can help you start running and keep you focused on reaching your fitness goals.

Why It’s Great:

  • GPS tracking for accurate route mapping and distance measurement
  • Customizable training plans tailored to your fitness level
  • Real-time audio cues for pace, distance, and interval reminders
  • Easy-to-use goal-setting and progress tracking features
  • Integration with various fitness apps and wearables

Conclusion

I know it’s never easy to get started and it is often easier to procrastinate, but try one of these apps to see if they can motivate or guide you. You can do it so lace up your running shoes, download an app that suits your needs, and hit the road—one step closer to your goals!

About Bob Aroture 2 Articles
Bob is our Health and Fitness Contributor. He is passionate about all things health and fitness. With an MD degree and a strong background in medicine, he brings expert insight into topics related to wellness, exercise, and healthy living. Though not yet a practicing doctor, Bob’s medical knowledge allows him to offer well-informed advice on various health topics, from fitness routines to nutrition. When he's not sharing health tips, Bob enjoys exploring new places and cycling, combining his love for travel and staying active. Through his posts, he aims to inspire others to lead healthier, more balanced lives.

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