What's the best app for live tracking runners during a race?

Best overall: the race’s official app. It usually tracks runners from their timing-chip reads at course checkpoints, so the runner doesn’t need to carry a phone. The tradeoff: updates may come only at split points, rather than showing a continuous live dot. (okcmarathon.com)

If the race supports it, RaceJoy is a strong option for more continuous GPS tracking, map view, and alerts—but the runner generally needs to carry a phone and enable location tracking. Features can vary by event. (racejoy.net)

Quick rule: Check the race website first and use the app it recommends. If you tell me the race name, I can find its specific tracking app.

There isn't one best app for every race. The right choice depends on which race you're following, so the official race app is usually the first thing to check.

• Official race app (first choice): Many big marathons have their own app. For example, the Boston Athletic Association offers a free app with live runner tracking, interactive course maps, and leaderboards, and it's on both the App Store and Google Play. For the Chicago Marathon, the ChiMarathon app provides "Unlimited live race day runner tracking", and users can track up to 20 runners through the app.
• Race website: If there's no app, the race's website may still offer tracking. Boston's site, for instance, lets you search by a runner's name or bib number to follow their progress in real time.
• RaceDay app (for RunSignup events): Races that use RunSignup's timing tools may use the RaceDay app, which offers live results, on-course tracking, and finish-line notifications for spectators.
• Runner-shared tracking: If the runner is sharing their own location, apps like Strava Beacon or Garmin LiveTrack let you follow them directly. A 2026 comparison of marathon tracking apps covers these options along with Find My and Cheerlify, and notes that the official race app is free and the runner needs just the bib chip, so the runner doesn't need to do anything extra.

My suggestion: download the official app for the specific race a few days ahead, search for the runner's bib number, and add them to your tracking list. If the race has no app, check its website, and ask the runner whether they'll share a live-tracking link.

The "best" app for tracking a runner depends entirely on whether you are following a large, organized race or a personal training run. There is no single universal app because official race tracking is almost always managed by the event organizers themselves.

1. For Official Races (Marathons, 10Ks, etc.)

Always check the official race website first. Most large events use specific timing companies and provide their own dedicated app or a live tracking link.

• How it works: These apps use the timing chip in the runner's bib. As the runner passes timing mats placed along the course, the app updates their time and estimated position. This is the most reliable method for official splits and rankings.
• Common platforms: Many major races use providers like RTRT.me, RaceJoy, LiveTrail, or event-specific apps (often powered by systems like MYLAPS or TRACX).
• Recommendation: Look for a "Live Tracking" or "Results" link on the race’s official website or registration page.

2. For Real-Time GPS Tracking (Any Run or Race)

If you want to see a moving dot on a map in real-time between official timing mats, or if the race doesn't have an official app, you should use the runner's own GPS device or phone.

• RaceJoy: This is one of the best interactive options. It offers live GPS phone tracking and allows spectators to send "cheers" (pre-recorded or text-to-speech) directly to the runner's headphones.
• Strava (Beacon): A very popular choice. The "Beacon" feature allows a runner to share a live tracking link with chosen contacts via SMS or messaging apps. The recipient can then view the runner’s location in a web browser without needing a Strava account.
• Garmin LiveTrack: If the runner wears a Garmin watch, this is an excellent, battery-efficient option. It shares their real-time location via a link sent to friends and family.
• Standard Location Sharing: For simple, informal tracking, tools like WhatsApp Live Location, Google Maps, or Apple's Find My are highly reliable and require no extra setup for most people.

Summary Checklist for Race Day

If you are planning to track someone, ask them for these three things before the race starts:

1. Full Name (as it appears on their registration)
2. Bib Number (often required for official race apps)
3. The Official Tracking Link: Ask if the race has an official app or tracking page.

Pro Tip: If you want to support them with messages, RaceJoy is the industry standard for that "interactive" experience. If you just want to know where they are, Strava Beacon or a simple WhatsApp/Google Maps location share is usually the easiest and most stable method.

RaceJoy is a good all-around choice—if the race supports it. It offers a live map based on the runner’s phone GPS, plus proximity alerts and cheers; the runner needs to carry a phone and start tracking, and available features vary by event. ²⁵

Before race day, check the race organizer’s website for its official tracking app. Some races use their own app, and official timing or bib-based tracking can be more reliable than phone GPS when offered. ⁶⁸