Top 5 Running Apps

We found this app incredibly intuitive and easy to use. Once you’re set-up, you’ll be led through a comprehensive introduction video, where you’ll get a guided tour of the app and its features. After entering your personal details, your on-screen avatar will stop, start and speed up with you as you run on your treadmill. Then, you can get exploring the world of Zwift! Run through fantasy islands, jungles and volcanoes.

Detailed Running Statistics

This app does require a bit more kit than some of the other apps we’re reviewing, but in our opinion, it’s worth it. To use Zwift, you’ll need a smart treadmill with Zwift connectivity or send it your movement information via a footpod. We tested the app on JTX Fitness running machines and tested a Stryde footpod but cheaper ones are available. Zwift gives you really detailed stats every time you train. You also have the option to connect your heart rate monitor to get even more detailed feedback.

Big on Community

The video game feel in Zwift is really developed through interaction with other users. When you’re running you can see other ‘players’ running around you; you can run with friends and you can join group runs with people from all over the world. These features seriously boost motivation, especially if you’re competitive.

Cons - One downside of having so much visual information packed into this app is you really need a tablet to run it on. A phone will be OK but it could get a bit frustrating. Also, there is a slight time lag, which doesn’t affect the enjoyment or quality of the run, but is good to know about.

Footpods make an estimation of distance covered based on your height and stride length, so it might vary slightly from the distance actually covered, shown on your treadmill screen. Zwift allows you to keep running through the virtual world even after your run is over, so it's really easy to make sure you've covered every meter.

If you do download Zwift, be careful in set-up when you enter your 5K race time. If you haven’t done a 5K run, set your targets low and change the speed during your run. If you set it too high, (or if you put in your personal best rather than your average) your first introduction run will be too hard.

Overall; Ever felt addicted to a video game? Get ready to feel addicted to running and give Zwift a go. We’re sure you’ll love it.

3. ZOMBIES, RUN!

Our Pick for the Fun Loving Runner..

Our review - 8 / 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s a brilliant, novel idea that could be just the thing to get you moving!

The world has been overrun by zombies. Run for your life, to collect supplies and rescue survivors. Zombies, Run! Is a novel, exciting audio app, in which you are the main character of an unfolding, apocalyptic story.

The app is simple to set up and you can get going in minutes. After adjusting a few settings, you can begin your first ‘mission’. You’ll receive a ‘radio transmission’ with instructions for your run. Zombie chases are intermittent and unexpected, speed up to escape. What better motivation to run fast is there?

Your radio transmissions are broken up with your own music, which is great. After your run, you can view your stats, which include distance, time and how many zombie mobs you’ve evaded, of course.

On the surface Zombies, Run! Looks like a novel app that could keep you going for a while, but the more we delved, the more we found! Zombies, Run! has so many features and an in-depth story that keeps developing. You’ll meet other characters along the way, pick up supplies and build a base.

The main drawback is that there’s no way to connect to a tracker or cadence monitor. Instead, the app tracks using movement of your device. So, you either hold your phone or put it in your pocket for the duration of your run.