Whether you’re a casual jogger or a seasoned marathoner, tracking your running progress can enhance your training and motivate you to push your limits. Fortunately, several free running tracking apps are available to help you monitor your distance, time, pace, and overall performance without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best free running tracking apps in 2025, based on their features, ease of use, and effectiveness in helping you achieve your fitness goals.
1. Strava
Best for: Social Motivation & Performance Analysis
Strava is one of the most popular running apps and is widely praised for its social features, which allow runners to connect with friends, join challenges, and share achievements. The free version of Strava provides detailed metrics like pace, distance, elevation, and calories burned. It also features a route planning tool, and you can access community segments for extra motivation. Strava’s integration with various devices and wearables makes it an all-in-one app for both casual runners and serious athletes.
Key Features:
- Social network for runners with sharing and challenges
- Detailed performance metrics like pace, distance, and elevation
- Integration with GPS watches and heart rate monitors
- Custom route planning and segment tracking
- Basic training logs and insights
2. Map My Run by Under Armour
Best for: Detailed Tracking & Customizable Workouts
Map My Run is a popular and easy-to-use running app that offers a wealth of tracking features for free. It provides real-time GPS tracking for your runs and records important data such as time, pace, distance, and calories burned. The free version also allows you to create and track custom routes, and the app provides audio feedback to keep you updated on your progress during your runs. Map My Run also integrates well with wearables like Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple Watch.
Key Features:
- Real-time GPS tracking and route mapping
- Customizable workouts with training plans
- Audio feedback for pace, distance, and time
- Integration with popular fitness trackers
- Community challenges to keep you motivated
3. Nike Run Club
Best for: Coaching & Guided Runs
Nike Run Club is an excellent choice for runners of all levels, providing a highly engaging and user-friendly experience. The app offers features such as GPS tracking, personalized coaching plans, and guided runs that cater to various fitness levels. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or a marathon, the app can adjust your training plan to match your goals. Nike Run Club also allows you to track your progress over time and provides a social aspect where you can join challenges and share achievements with friends.
Key Features:
- Personalized training plans based on goals
- Guided runs and audio coaching
- Detailed metrics like pace, time, and elevation
- Social features to connect with friends and join challenges
- Integration with Apple Watch and other wearables
4. Runkeeper
Best for: Simple Interface & Smart Pacing
Runkeeper, a popular app from ASICS, provides a straightforward and intuitive interface that is perfect for both beginners and experienced runners. With Runkeeper, you can track your running statistics, such as pace, time, distance, and elevation gain. The free version also includes a variety of workout plans to help you prepare for different distances, including 5K and 10K races. Runkeeper’s Smart Pacing feature helps you stay on track with your desired pace and receive audio cues during your run.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use interface for beginners
- Real-time GPS tracking for distance and pace
- Smart Pacing feature to help you maintain your target pace
- Audio feedback for motivation
- Integration with popular fitness trackers and wearables
5. Endomondo (by Under Armour)
Best for: Cross-Training & Variety
Endomondo is a versatile app suitable for more than just running—it tracks various types of exercises, including cycling, walking, and hiking. Its running features include GPS tracking for distance and time, along with the ability to track calories burned, pace, and heart rate. Endomondo also includes a social feature, allowing you to connect with friends and participate in challenges. The app’s simple interface and variety of supported activities make it a great choice for runners who also enjoy other types of exercise.
Key Features:
- Supports running and multiple other sports
- GPS tracking for time, pace, and distance
- Social features for connecting with friends and participating in challenges
- Audio feedback during runs
- Integration with fitness trackers and devices
6. Pacer
Best for: Simplicity & Step Counting
Pacer is a straightforward and easy-to-use app that focuses on simple tracking for all types of physical activity, including running. The app tracks your steps, distance, and calories burned, offering a comprehensive log of your daily activity. Pacer’s free version offers basic tracking features for running and walking, along with a dashboard that visualizes your data. It also allows you to set goals, track your progress, and join challenges to stay motivated.
Key Features:
- Easy step and distance tracking
- Simple interface for beginners
- Daily activity logs and goal setting
- Integration with other health apps like Google Fit and Apple Health
- Community challenges to encourage progress
7. Sweatcoin
Best for: Earning Rewards for Running
Sweatcoin offers a unique take on fitness tracking by allowing you to earn rewards for running. The app tracks your outdoor steps and converts them into Sweatcoins, a virtual currency that can be redeemed for various rewards like fitness gear, experiences, and more. Sweatcoin tracks your steps and outdoor activities without requiring GPS, making it great for both running and walking.
Key Features:
- Earn virtual currency (Sweatcoins) for running
- Tracks outdoor steps and activities
- Rewards system for fitness-related items
- Simple interface for users who prefer a no-fuss app
- Works without GPS, making it less battery-intensive
8. Relive
Best for: Visual Route Tracking & Sharing
Relive is an app that allows you to create stunning, shareable videos of your running routes. It tracks your run using GPS and then generates a 3D video of your route, which you can share with friends and family. Relive integrates with Strava, Runkeeper, and other fitness apps, allowing you to seamlessly create videos of your runs. The app is ideal for those who want to visually showcase their running routes.
Key Features:
- 3D video creation of your running routes
- Integration with other fitness apps like Strava and Runkeeper
- Social sharing options for routes and achievements
- GPS tracking for accurate data on distance and time
- Fun, visual approach to tracking your runs
9. MyRunTracker
Best for: Simple Run Tracking
MyRunTracker is a no-frills, easy-to-use app designed specifically for runners who want to track the basics. The app allows you to log your runs, track distance, time, and pace, and store your data for future analysis. It’s a great option for those who want a simple app that does the job without additional features.
Key Features:
- Basic run tracking (distance, pace, time)
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Data storage for past runs
- Works offline, no need for internet during workouts
- Great for runners who prefer minimalist tracking
10. Runner’s World SmartCoach
Best for: Personalized Running Plans
Runner’s World SmartCoach is a free app designed to help runners train for specific goals, such as a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon. Based on your current fitness level and target race distance, SmartCoach provides a personalized training plan that adjusts based on your performance. It includes pace recommendations, daily running schedules, and progress tracking.
Key Features:
- Personalized training plans for specific race distances
- Adjusts based on your progress and fitness level
- Provides pace recommendations and training tips
- Includes training schedules and goals
- Simple, easy-to-follow interface
Conclusion
Choosing the right running tracking app can help you stay on track with your fitness goals and keep you motivated as you progress. Whether you’re looking for social features, personalized training plans, or just simple tracking, the apps listed above offer excellent free options for runners of all levels. By selecting an app that fits your needs and goals, you can make the most of your running routine and enjoy the journey toward better fitness in 2025.