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Sole-searching: 6 best running apps
With the days getting longer and brighter as we head into summer, it’s time to dust off your trainers and pound the pavement with these top running apps
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Your support makes all the difference.Winter makes us all a bit more sluggish and reluctant to leave our warm homes to face the great outdoors. But it’s time to come out of hibernation now and switch the treadmill for the track.
We’ve tested some of the top running apps available across a range of smartphone operating systems, from the simple but effective RunKeeper to community-focussed Strava.
And for those who really struggle for motivation to get out and push hard, perhaps the mock-apocalyptic Zombies, Run! app will succeed in getting you up off the sofa.
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Verdict:
If you’re a fairly capable runner, Strava is a good choice on account of the monthly challenges, which encourage you to run certain distances as fast as you can and compete on a leaderboard with other users from around the world.
Runtastic is a useful companion to have if you’re planning to participate in any races, as it’s easy for friends to send you motivational messages that you’ll hear while you run – often the catalyst for a burst of speed.
For people who want to add another dimension to their running, Zombies, Run! fits the bill, immersing you in a story where it’s your job to save the world. Although an unusual concept, and unlikely to be the app of choice for people who take their training very seriously, it’s a fun and well-executed option.
Download now
1. RunKeeper, free on iOS and Android
2. Strava, free on iOS and Android
3. MapMyRun, free on iOS, Androis, Windows Phone and BlackBerry (limited support)
4. Zombies, Run!, £2.49 on iOS, £2.99 on Android
5. Runtastic, free on iOS, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry