CheerMyRun

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Best apps to track a runner live (2026)

Short answer: at a big race, use two things. The race’s official app gives chip times and results, but chip timing only updates at timing mats. A live GPS app shows where your runner is in between. CheerMyRun works at any race or training run: supporters open a link in their browser, see a live map with distance and pace, and send voice cheers that play in the runner’s headphones. If your runner wears a Garmin, LiveTrack is built in; Strava subscribers have Beacon.

We make CheerMyRun, so read this with that in mind. Every competitor fact below comes from the product’s own page (listed under Sources); where a page doesn’t say, the cell is left empty. CheerMyRun is not an official race tracker and works alongside official trackers.

How they compare

— means the product’s official page doesn’t say. Checked on 29 October 2026; features change, so confirm on each product’s page.
AppWhat the supporter needsLive GPS between timing matsCheers the runner hearsWorks at any race / training runCost
CheerMyRun100,000+ runners · 4.7 rating · 26 languagesNothing to install: they open a link in the browserYes, from the runner’s phone GPS, with distance and paceYes: voice cheers auto-play in the runner’s headphonesYes, any race or training runFree download; in-app subscription (plans and prices shown in the app)
Official race apps: New York Road Runners appTCS New York City Marathon (NYRR)The free NYRR app (iPhone or Android)——NYRR events onlyFree
Official race apps: TCS London Marathon appLondon Marathon EventsThe official app; trusted supporters verify with a passcodeUp to 3 trusted supporters see the runner’s GPS location, updated every two minutesText messages (Belief Booster) shown at the finish; no audioLondon Marathon onlyFree
Official race apps: B.A.A. Racing AppBoston Athletic AssociationThe B.A.A. Racing App (iPhone or Android)——B.A.A. events onlyFree
RaceJoyThe RaceJoy app (runner and supporter); no web versionYes, from the runner’s phone GPSAudio cheer clips and Text-to-Cheer, played as a phone notificationOnly at races that offer RaceJoyFree for participants
Strava BeaconNothing to install: a browser link, no Strava accountYes, updated about every 15 seconds—Any activity recorded with Strava; up to 3 contactsStrava subscription needed on watches; free for viewers
Garmin LiveTrackNothing to install: a web linkYes, from the runner’s Garmin deviceAudio and text messages on supported watches; audio needs Bluetooth headphonesYes, races and trainingFree Garmin Connect app; needs a compatible Garmin device
Apple Find MyThe Find My app on an iPhoneShows current location (no update interval stated)—Anywhere; not race-specific—
Google Maps location sharing—Real-time location (no update interval stated)—Anywhere; not race-specific—

When to use each

The race’s official app
For chip times, splits and official results. Install it for any big-city marathon, whatever else you use.
CheerMyRun
When you want to see where your runner is between timing mats, at any race or training run, and want your voice in their headphones. Supporters need only a browser.
Garmin LiveTrack
When the runner already races with a compatible Garmin watch. Spectator Messaging adds audio and text messages on supported models.
Strava Beacon
When the runner records with Strava and wants up to three people to see their location from a link.
RaceJoy
When the race itself offers RaceJoy. Both runner and supporters install the app.
Find My or Google Maps
For everyday location sharing with family. Neither is built for races, pace or cheers.

Try CheerMyRun before race day

Free to download on iPhone and Android. Set up your run, share one link, and test a cheer in your headphones.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Questions about tracking a runner live

What is the best app to track a runner live during a marathon?

Use two. The race’s official app gives chip times and results, but it updates at timing mats. A live GPS app shows where the runner is in between: CheerMyRun works at any race with only a browser link for supporters, Garmin LiveTrack works if the runner wears a compatible Garmin, and Strava Beacon works for Strava subscribers.

Why does the official race tracker lag behind my runner?

Chip timing records a runner only when they cross a timing mat, and the mats are kilometres apart. Between mats, the tracker shows the last split or an estimate. Apps that use the runner’s own GPS, like CheerMyRun, show their position in between.

Can I track a runner without downloading an app?

Yes. With CheerMyRun, Strava Beacon and Garmin LiveTrack, supporters open a link in their browser. Official race apps and RaceJoy ask supporters to install the app.

Which apps let supporters send cheers the runner can hear?

CheerMyRun voice cheers auto-play in the runner’s headphones. Garmin LiveTrack’s Spectator Messaging sends audio messages on supported watches with Bluetooth headphones. RaceJoy plays audio cheers as phone notifications at races that use it.

Is CheerMyRun an official race tracker?

No. CheerMyRun is independent and is not the official app of any race. It adds live GPS from the runner’s phone and voice cheers, and works alongside the official tracker, chip timing and results.

Sources

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