With over 120 million users worldwide, there’s a reason why Strava is one of the most talked about apps for runners everywhere. For the uninitiated, the app is a mix between a social media platform and a fitness tracker; you can record workouts across a range of sports including running, cycling and swimming and then upload them for your friends and family to see, offer ‘kudos’ or comment on.

One of the most fun and interactive features on the app is the ‘achievements’ section of each run, where you can win (virtual) medals for recording a new PB or beating your time on specific segments around your local area. You can also work to become the ‘local legend’ of a specific segment (the person who has run that route the most in the last 90 days) and join run clubs (PSA: Strong Women has one you can join here).

A premium subscription to the app (which costs £54.99 annually or £8.99 a month), allows you to unlock additional features like in-app route planning, access to more data (if your fitness tracker records it) and a training dashboard that allows you to see whether you’re training effectively. 

An oldie but a goodie, the NHS Couch To 5K app is ideal for anyone who wants to get into running for the first time but isn’t quite sure where to start. It’s completely free and is designed to help you go from short run/walk sessions to a full-on 5k in just nine weeks, with three sessions plotted in a week.

Each of the sessions comes with a guided audio track so you’ll know exactly when to start running and when to stay walking, and an on-screen tracker to help you see your progress. And if you want a little company on your runs, you can also try ‘buddy runs’, in which a friend or family member logs on to the app at the same time and you do your run together. After you’ve completed a run, you’ll be able to see your progress on the app, so you can see how far you’ve got to go until the end of the programme.

It’s worth noting that some people do find the suggested time for the final 5k (around 30 minutes) a little bit too fast, so make sure to take things at your own pace and listen to your body as you go.

Indeed, as writer Isabel Mohan previously wrote for Strong Women: “[Since trying the app] I’ve run three half-marathons and more than 50 Parkruns… I’ve basically made running my whole personality, even writing a newsletter about it. But here’s the thing: when I finished Couch to 5K, I still couldn’t run 5k in under 30 minutes. In fact, I can count the number of times I’ve run 5k in under 30 minutes on one sweaty hand.” 

Signed up for your first half-marathon but not sure where to start? Runna has got you covered. This handy app provides you with a personalised running plan based on your experience level, fitness and amount of free time, so whether you’re training for your first 5k or tackling an ultra-marathon, you’ll have a plan in place.

But Runna won’t just tell you to run 5k on a Tuesday – there’s a lot more to it. Depending on what you’re training for, you’ll have different types of runs (like intervals, tempo sessions and long runs) built into your schedule to help you improve over time. You’ll also have the option to include strength training and mobility sessions in your weekly routine to complement your running.

It’s worth noting that you don’t need to be training for a race to use and benefit from Runna – there are plans for building and maintaining fitness and returning from injury, as well as improving your PB. Anyone who fancies a triathlon is also covered by a range of plans depending on your goals.

While you can access the first week of any training plan for free, you will have to pay (£15.99 a month or £99.99 a year) to continue your training. The only problem with Runna is that the plans can feel a little intense if you’re not used to following a training schedule, so make sure to listen to your body. 

If you’re looking for an all-in-one spot for tracking your runs and accessing training plans, then the Nike Run Club app could be exactly what you need. While the training plans may not be as personalised as the ones you’ll find on Runna, Nike’s app is completely free with no in-app purchases, so you can access all the features from the outset.

Stylist features writer Holly Bullock is a big fan. “I like the training plans (they got me from regular 5ks to running a half-marathon and enjoying it, and the stats that the app provides allow for a good amount of post-run nerdery,” she says. “For example, you can see things like a map with your speed and your splits.”

She continues: “The guided runs are also good because they integrate with Spotify, so you can listen to your music and then these cheerful coaches pop up every so often for a bit of motivational chat. In any other context I’d find that kind of thing annoying, but on a run it’s very helpful.” 

There’s nothing quite like a guided running session to help you push yourself that little bit further, and WithU’s audio fitness offering is the perfect place to start. The app offers tracks for outdoor and treadmill running alongside many other sports, with a variety of tracks depending on your desired distance and speed.

The best thing about WithU is how focused the runs are. You’re not just told what pace to run at and left to complete the run by yourself – the trainers chime in regularly with tips for adopting the correct form and reducing injury, as well as some encouragement when you really need it. You can also choose to listen to your own music in the background between the trainers’ comments. The app’s partnership with Parkrun makes it a brilliant option for anyone who’s focused on improving their 5k time or just wants to become a stronger short-distance runner.

As it stands, you can enjoy some of WithU’s workouts for free – simply download the app and get started. The WithU Unlimited plan (which costs £9.99 a month or £79.99 for the year) allows you to access the full range of workouts and trainers on offer. 

It may not be the most flashy app out there, but 5K is a must-download for anyone who loves Parkrun. It’s not officially affiliated with the event, but it allows you to get an overview of your Parkrun performances and check in on how your friends and family are doing, too.

You can even create and join clubs, seek out new Parkrun events on the interactive map and start leagues with your friends, family and colleagues. And as if all that wasn’t enough, there are several unofficial challenges on the app that you can track your progress towards. These include ‘Date Bingo’ (attending a Parkrun on every ‘date’ of the year), ‘Compass Club’ (attending a Parkrun whose name contains each of the four compass points) and ‘Namely’ (attending a Parkrun starting with every letter of your name).

In short, the 5K app is all about having fun with your running – and we absolutely love it.

For the more adventurous among us, AllTrails is another great one to look into. While you’ll find plenty of trails to explore in and around major cities, AllTrails comes into its own in the countryside, where its range of route options will help you to stay on track while enjoying the great outdoors.

What’s particularly good about the app is the community feedback attached to each route – you can see reviews on each route page with users warning of potential issues with the route (overgrown hedgerows, for example) and sharing tips for the best pub to visit after you’re done. Then, once you’re out on the trail, you can use the map to help you navigate and track your progress.

With AllTrails+ (which costs £35.99 a year), you can also download maps to use in offline mode (ideal for when you’re exploring the countryside) and get wrong-turn alerts so you can be confident you’re always on the right path. If you want to start trail running, then this is a pretty good shout.