app to track running route

You don't need another "top ten" list of running apps. They all track your distance and show you a map. The real question is which one gets out of your way so you can just run.

Most runners I know use a stack of two or three apps. One for logging miles, another for finding trails, and maybe a third for workouts. You’ll drive yourself crazy trying to find one app that does everything perfectly.

For the Social Log: Strava

If you have friends who run, they're on Strava. It's the default social network for athletes, and the community is the main reason to use it. You see your friends' workouts, join challenges, and compete on local "segments," which can be a great motivator.

Its heatmap is also great for finding safe or scenic loops when you're in a new city. But to actually build a route yourself, you have to pay. And be careful with the social pressure—seeing everyone’s highlight reel can feel like the opposite of motivation some days.

For Finding Trails: AllTrails

When you get tired of the same pavement, you need AllTrails. It's less about tracking pace and more about discovery. Think of it as Yelp for trails. People upload their favorite routes with photos, reviews, and notes on trail conditions. You can filter by difficulty, length, or if a trail is dog-friendly.

I found my favorite weekend loop on AllTrails. It was listed as a "moderate" 4-miler. What the description failed to mention was the near-vertical scramble in the second mile. I remember checking my phone halfway up this rock face, thinking the person who uploaded the route had a very different definition of "moderate." But now it's the run I look forward to most. Figuring it out gives you a feeling a simple pavement loop can't.

The free version is fine for discovery, but you'll want to upgrade for offline maps if you're heading somewhere with spotty service.

For the Garmin Watch: Garmin Connect

If you own a Garmin watch, the Connect app is your home base. It’s free and syncs automatically. The app is dense with data, tracking everything from your pace and distance to sleep and recovery. You can also build courses and workouts and send them straight to your watch.

Its biggest strength is the integration. The app, the watch, and the data all work together without you having to mess with syncing or exporting files. The route builder is a bit buried in the menus, but it’s surprisingly capable once you find it.

For Simplicity (and No Cost): Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club (NRC) is a great place to start. It's completely free and has a huge library of guided, audio-coached runs that can help with everything from your first mile to marathon training. The coaches offer tips on form and mindset, which is nice to have when you're just starting out.

It does all the basic tracking—pace, distance, splits—and has a clean interface. If you don't want to get lost in data and just need a little encouragement to get out the door, NRC is a good bet.

Others Worth a Look

• MapMyRun: Has a strong route creation tool and gives real-time coaching feedback if you use Under Armour's smart shoes.
• Runkeeper: A long-standing option with customizable audio cues and training plans.
• Komoot: Excellent for planning detailed trail and hiking routes, with a focus on surface type and elevation.
• Footpath Route Planner: Lets you "draw" a route with your finger and it snaps to the nearest roads and trails. It makes creating custom routes very easy.