Nike+ Running
FREE on iOS & Android
It used to be that the Nike Running app that came pre-installed on iPhones would only work if you bought the additional Nike sensor from Apple to attach to your Nike trainers.
But to work the app, recently updated for iOS7 now just requires you to pick up your phone and run.
Ranked as the most popular running app on iTunes, the GPS and accelerometer accurately records distance, pace and time with an in-run audio feedback letting you know the metrics at every mile, so you can stay focused on your run.
You can also set up PowerSongs to play your motivational anthems when you’re feeling the burn to get you moving again. Syncing your run to the Nikeplus.com website allows you to view your maps, set goals and find top rated routes in your area.
RunKeeper
FREE on iOS & Android
More than 25 million people already use the RunKeeper app to turn their phone into a pocket-sized personal trainer, so why not join them?
The app allows you to see detailed stats on your pace, distance and time, and built-in audio cues help to keep your motivation going throughout your run.
You can also listen and control your audio through the app, which is a helpful feature so you don’t have to hop back and forth to iTunes.
Not just for running, the app can also be used to monitor walks, hikes and bike rides. Personalise your goals and targets to receive notifications as to when you reach a new personal best or milestone.
Runtastic PRO
(Basic free version available) or £2.99 iOS & £2.49 Android
While a free version is available, there are a lot of worthwhile features on the PRO edition of the Runtastic app. A voice coach gives you audio feedback for each mile or km completed with optional cheering and power song modes to motivate you.
Run your own route, or find routes that others have shared on Runtastic.com and sync them straight to your phone. You can then share your stats and compete with friends.
The PRO app also features great analysis tools, including the heart rate zone, calorie goals and pace goals to optimise your training, with the added option of interval training with dynamic split training should you so desire.
The weather and sunrise/sunset data is another handy feature on the app to help you avoid getting caught in the rain or running in the dark.
Map my Run
FREE on iOS and Android
Winner of the Best Running App 2012 Reader’s Choice Award at About.com, Map my Run is a great way to keep track of your running progress.
The app boasts over 600 functions, as well as your own bragging rights with the ability to post your workouts to Facebook and Twitter (if you so desire).
Track your pace and distance and count calories on the app with GPS route mapping and route navigation all built in. Real-time stats during your workout (with optional voiceover) keep you informed as you run.
You can also compete with other runners by posting to your own local leaderboards.
Zombies, Run! 5k Training
£2.49 iOS & £1.49 Android
Get fit. Escape Zombies. Become a hero: or so this app’s tagline goes.
To round off this Top 5 is a bit more light-hearted running app. The popular Zombies, Run! App in which runners run real local routes while being chased by virtual zombies.
You are narrated the story through your headphones with orders and voice recordings on where to run – and when you get back home, you use the supplies you’ve collected while running to build and grow your post-zombie apocalypse base.
This 5k version of the app helps build a personalised 8 week training course to get you fit and ready to run 5km, with the added option of zombie fun.
My favourite feature of this app is interval training – with zombies. The Zombie chase mode lets you run at a casual pace, but forces you to speed up at intervals if you hear a zombie on your tail!
