Top 10 Best Free Running Tracking Apps in 2025: Expert Recommendations

Running is one of the most popular and accessible forms of exercise, and tracking your runs can help you stay motivated, improve performance, and achieve your fitness goals. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, using a running app can give you valuable insights into your pace, distance, calories burned, and more. Fortunately, there are many free running tracking apps available that provide all these features and more—without costing a dime.

In this article, we review the Top 10 Best Free Running Tracking Apps in 2025, focusing on their features, usability, and how they help runners of all levels track their progress. These apps come with high ratings from experts and users alike and provide robust performance analysis, making them the perfect tool to help you improve your running experience.

1. Strava

• Best for: Social runners and performance tracking
• Why it stands out: Strava is widely regarded as one of the best apps for runners, offering in-depth performance tracking and a supportive social community. The app tracks metrics like pace, distance, elevation gain, and route, while also allowing users to compare their performances to other runners through Strava’s segments.
• Key Features:
  • Tracks pace, distance, speed, and elevation
  • Social sharing with friends and followers
  • Personalized achievements and challenges
  • Free access to detailed activity stats and GPS mapping
  • Advanced features available with a premium upgrade
  • Compatible with smartwatches and fitness trackers

2. Map My Run by Under Armour

• Best for: Comprehensive tracking with a large exercise community
• Why it stands out: Map My Run offers detailed tracking for every aspect of your run, from distance and pace to calories burned and elevation. With over 70 million routes mapped by other users, you can explore new trails and track your performance against a wide range of fitness goals. The app syncs with a variety of fitness trackers and smartwatches.
• Key Features:
  • Tracks distance, pace, time, calories burned, and more
  • Audio feedback during your run for real-time updates
  • Access to a large library of running routes
  • Connects with over 400 devices, including smartwatches
  • Offers a community for motivation and sharing progress
  • Free version available with ads and limited features

3. Runkeeper

• Best for: Simple and easy-to-use running tracker
• Why it stands out: Runkeeper is an intuitive app that makes tracking your runs easy and effective. It allows users to track distance, pace, and calories burned with a straightforward interface, making it ideal for beginner runners. The app also integrates with other fitness apps and devices like Apple Health and Fitbit.
• Key Features:
  • Tracks pace, distance, time, and calories
  • GPS mapping of running routes
  • Personalized running plans for different fitness goals
  • Integration with various fitness devices and apps
  • Free version with optional premium features
  • Audio cues to track progress during runs

4. Nike Run Club

• Best for: Motivational coaching and in-app challenges
• Why it stands out: Nike Run Club is a favorite among runners for its motivational features and seamless integration with other Nike products. The app tracks your runs, sets personalized goals, and offers guided runs from professional coaches. It also features challenges and social features to keep you motivated.
• Key Features:
  • Personalized coaching plans for different running goals
  • Audio-guided runs and workouts
  • Customizable run tracking (distance, pace, time)
  • Social features for connecting with friends and joining challenges
  • Integration with Apple Health and wearable devices
  • Free to use with no hidden fees

5. Runna

• Best for: Structured running plans
• Why it stands out: Runna focuses on providing structured training plans for runners at various levels. Whether you’re training for a 5K, 10K, or marathon, Runna customizes a plan based on your running history, pace, and goals. The app offers detailed coaching and progress tracking, ensuring you stay on track throughout your training.
• Key Features:
  • Customizable training plans based on your goals
  • Track your progress and improvements
  • Audio coaching and weekly guidance
  • Integrates with fitness trackers like Fitbit and Garmin
  • Free version available with some premium features

6. Pacer

• Best for: Multi-sport tracking and fitness analysis
• Why it stands out: Pacer is a versatile fitness app that tracks walking, running, and other activities. It’s known for its ease of use and offers various training plans, from simple run tracking to more complex fitness journeys. Pacer’s user-friendly interface makes it suitable for both beginner and experienced runners.
• Key Features:
  • Tracks steps, distance, pace, and calories burned
  • Simple interface for beginners
  • Offers walking and running challenges
  • Connects with fitness devices and apps for improved tracking
  • Personalized fitness insights and progress reports
  • Free version with premium features for advanced analytics

7. Endomondo (by Under Armour)

• Best for: All-around fitness tracking
• Why it stands out: Endomondo is a robust fitness app that caters to a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, and even hiking. It provides detailed statistics, performance tracking, and the ability to create personalized training plans. Although it was discontinued in 2022, it is still supported for those who had already downloaded it.
• Key Features:
  • Tracks distance, time, pace, calories, and more
  • Personalized coaching and training plans
  • Integration with fitness devices and wearables
  • Audio feedback during workouts
  • Social sharing features and challenges
  • Free version with in-app purchases for extra features

8. Strava Running & Cycling GPS

• Best for: Competitive runners and those who want to compare performances
• Why it stands out: While Strava is widely known for its cycling tracking capabilities, it’s also an excellent choice for runners looking to engage in friendly competition. Strava allows users to measure their running times against others and provides challenges to keep you motivated.
• Key Features:
  • Tracks pace, distance, heart rate, and cadence
  • Create and join challenges to stay motivated
  • Social features for connecting with friends
  • Records splits and progress over time
  • Free version with an optional premium membership for more advanced features

9. Couch to 5K (C25K)

• Best for: Beginners training for their first race
• Why it stands out: The Couch to 5K app is perfect for beginners who want to gradually build up to running a 5K. It offers a structured 9-week plan that combines walking and running intervals, progressively increasing running time each week. This app is ideal for individuals who have little to no running experience.
• Key Features:
  • Structured training plan for beginners
  • Audio coaching to guide you through intervals
  • Progress tracking and milestone achievements
  • Option to listen to your own music while tracking runs
  • Free to use with the option to upgrade for extra features

10. Zombies, Run!

• Best for: Gamified running experience
• Why it stands out: Zombies, Run! is a unique and fun app that turns your run into an exciting game. As you run, you’ll complete missions and collect supplies while avoiding zombie hordes chasing you. The app adds a layer of excitement that can help motivate you to run longer and harder.
• Key Features:
  • Gamifies your running experience with story-based missions
  • Tracks distance, pace, and time
  • Engages you with immersive audio and storylines
  • Collect supplies and unlock rewards as you run
  • Free version with optional in-app purchases

Conclusion

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, the Top 10 Best Free Running Tracking Apps in 2025 offer something for everyone. From social sharing and competition to structured training plans and gamified experiences, these apps cater to various fitness goals and preferences. By leveraging these tools, you can track your performance, stay motivated, and improve your running efficiency—all at no cost! Download one of these top apps today and start running toward your fitness goals.