5 Best Smartphone Running Apps

RunKeeper

RunKeeper has long been one of our favorite apps to track your running habits, and it's clearly still one of the most popular. For a free app, it's very feature rich and includes ways to track runs, jogs, and even cycling. When you have a time you're particularly proud of you can share that through Facebook. RunKeeper also has a great set of stats for seeing when you're improving, checking your pace, and getting a better understanding of how you're doing. If tracking all that data on your phone doesn't sound appealing, RunKeeper also stores your stat=s on their website so you can check it out from anywhere.

Endomondo

Endomondo is a very social running app. Like RunKeeper it's easy to track your duration, distance, and speed. You can also create routes, challenge your times, and challenge friends who live in your neighborhood. It's about as feature-rich as running apps come. You can get an audio coach, track hydration, send friends pep talks, and plenty more. One of the cooler features is the ability to see other people's times on routes and test it against your own. For those who like to socialize over their runs, Endomondo provides all the options you need.

Nike+ Running

Much like Endomondo and RunKeeper, the Nike+ Running App provides all the stats, history, and sharing capabilities you could ask for. Nike+ has its share of tricks up its sleeve though. You can get cheered on by a real time crowd, activate a powersong to help you finish off your run, and keep track of your performance in different weather. Nike+ works with out without any of the Nike accessories as well, so if you want to just run with your phone, it won't be a problem.

Zombies, Run!

What makes Zombies, Run! different is the fact it turns your morning jog into a story about survival. You're not just tracking your run with stats and numbers—you're building a base full of supplies, and using zombie chases as interval training. It's clearly not the app for the stat-obsessed, but it's a fantastic experience for anyone who hates jogging.

MapMyRun

As the name suggests, MapMyRun is all about tracking your route. On top of that, MapMyRun tracks your distance, calories, elevation, and your nutrition for the day. The nutritional info is what makes MapMyRun stand out the most. If you have a poor day where you're lagging behind your regular times you can check in to see what you ate on other days and try to improve your overall health. It also gives you an estimate on how much you should eat, and how many glasses of water you need.