What are the best running and cycling training apps for preparing for a half marathon with GPS tracking and race-focused plans?

Here are some of the best running and cycling training apps for preparing for a half marathon, especially if you want GPS tracking and race-focused training plans.

Best overall apps

1. Garmin Connect + Garmin Coach

Best for: Structured race training with strong GPS tracking
Why it stands out:

• Excellent GPS tracking and workout metrics
• Garmin Coach offers adaptive plans for half marathons
• Good if you already use a Garmin watch
• Includes running dynamics, recovery, HR, pace, and training load
• Can support cycling workouts too

Downside: Best experience requires Garmin hardware.

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2. Strava

Best for: GPS tracking, route discovery, and multi-sport logging
Why it stands out:

• Very strong GPS tracking and activity history
• Great for both running and cycling
• Race preparation tools through integrations with training platforms
• Huge social/community aspect for motivation
• Excellent route and segment features

Downside: Race training plans are limited unless paired with another service.

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3. Runna

Best for: Dedicated half marathon training plans
Why it stands out:

• One of the best apps for race-specific running plans
• Plans adapt to your fitness and goal time
• Clear workouts for half marathon prep
• Includes pace guidance and structured sessions
• Strong for runners who want a simple, guided plan

Downside: Primarily running-focused, not cycling-first.

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4. TrainingPeaks

Best for: Serious structured training across running and cycling
Why it stands out:

• Excellent for race-focused half marathon plans
• Supports both running and cycling in one platform
• Detailed workout scheduling and analysis
• Works with many GPS watches and bike computers
• Used by coaches and endurance athletes

Downside: Can feel complex at first.

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5. Nike Run Club

Best for: Free guided running plans
Why it stands out:

• Free and easy to use
• Guided runs and half marathon training plans
• Good GPS tracking for running
• Motivating audio coaching

Downside: Less advanced than dedicated training platforms, and cycling support is limited.

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Best if you want both running and cycling

6. Wahoo SYSTM

Best for: Cross-training with strong cycling support
Why it stands out:

• Excellent cycling workouts and training plans
• Includes running and other cross-training elements
• Good for athletes who want to combine bike and run work
• Strong structured workout support

Downside: More cycling-oriented than running-oriented.

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7. TriDot / Final Surge

Best for: Multi-sport athletes or cross-training plans
Why it stands out:

• Can support running and cycling training
• Good structured plans and workout tracking
• Useful if you’re building endurance with mixed sports

Downside: May be more than you need for a single half marathon.

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Best free or low-cost options

• Nike Run Club – best free run training experience
• Strava – great free GPS tracking, paid features for deeper insights
• Garmin Connect – free if you own Garmin hardware
• Adidas Running – simple GPS tracking and training features

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Quick recommendations by goal

• Best race-focused half marathon app: Runna
• Best for advanced structured training: TrainingPeaks
• Best GPS + overall endurance tracking: Garmin Connect
• Best cycling + running combo: TrainingPeaks or Garmin Connect
• Best free running plan: Nike Run Club
• Best social tracking and route discovery: Strava

My practical pick

If you want the most balanced setup for a half marathon with GPS and race prep:

• Runna for the training plan
• Strava or Garmin Connect for tracking and analysis

If you already use a Garmin watch, Garmin Connect + Garmin Coach is probably the easiest all-in-one choice.

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a comparison table, or
2. the best apps for beginners vs advanced runners, or
3. the best apps specifically for Apple Watch / Android / Garmin users.