Disclaimer: I received a RunGo App subscription to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"
I love scenic routes for long runs, but one of my biggest fears is getting lost. I have had plenty of times where I have to call on Google Maps to save me during a run. In Atlanta, since we have 71 streets that contain the name "Peachtree", getting lost is easy to do. Sometimes I am enjoying the scenery and down hill so much that I just miss my turn. The RunGo app (https://www.rungoapp.com/) is every runner's, especially those who are directionally-challenged, dream come true.
What makes RunGo unique is that the app provides turn-by-turn directions for the route that you program for your run. This is awesome since it frees up your hands and the app provides advance warning when you are close to your next turn. So how does it work?
Getting Started
First you set up an account and download the app for your respective operating system (Android or IOS). I have a Samsung Galaxy S6, which operates on the Android operating system. Downloading and installing the app was easy. After installation, you log into the app to start your running adventure.
Setting up the routes
Based on your location, the app provides routes that have already been mapped out (shown in blue in the picture below). Since I live in a large city, there were plenty of prepared routes. You can also program your own route (shown in green). The app will provide turn-by-turn directions from start to finish for all the routes.
I programmed my weekly running group routes to test the accuracy of the program. The route is programmed by clicking on the map and pens will appear to connect the points from start (green pin) to finish (red E).
You can also run without a programmed route to track your run.
Running with the app
Once the route has been programmed or selected from the previously mapped options, there is a short count down and away you go. As you are running the app will direct you to turn at the appropriate time. I found it be accurate about 90% of the time. My app didn't have autopause, so while the distance was close or the same as my Garmin, the time was off. I didn't want to keep pulling my phone out to pause at lights.
If you get off course, the app will warn you and to let you know. A few seconds later you will get another warning message if you are still off course. If you continue to run off course, the Rungo app will try to connect you to the nearest point on your route to get you back on course. My favorite direction is when it tells you how close you are to the finish line to complete the run.
Data Collection
The app maintains the history of your runs and there a feature to share the information across social media platforms. Below is my history and the data for my morning 1 miler run.
The Verdict
Overall, I really like this app and it is useful when you are running routes with many directions. It also helps if you are running where are many unmarked roads (we have plenty of them!). For improvements, I would add autopause to the Android app. It was not an option on my app, though others said they were able to use it. Sometimes it took a while for the app to show my custom route after I created and saved it. It wasn't a biggie, but I was nervous at times that I lost it. I would also add buttons for preprogrammed routes, your route, and no route for users to select to keep the map clear when you first open the app. Sometimes it overwhelming to see all the different routes that are already available and it prevents the need to scroll through to find your custom route.
I plan to continue to use this app during my runs so I can just run without holding on to print routes or risk getting lost on one of 77 Peachtree streets.