Comparison

Good Run Guide vs PacePal

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Good Run Guide

Track and map your runs with GPS, view detailed stats, and discover over 14,000 running routes. Upgrade to full membership for an unlimited online logbook and advanced features.

Highlights
  • GPS run tracking
  • Distance, pace, and elevation stats
  • Search and follow 14,000+ routes
  • Automatic splits
  • Online logbook (full members)
  • Share runs on Facebook
Features
Read full description

The Good Run Guide GPS App is an easy and intuitive way to accurately track and map your runs and other distance activities and to find great running routes, with all the comprehensive features of The Good Run Guide website behind the scenes. The App can be used stand-alone as an easy means of recording and viewing your runs (tracking distance, pace, elevation, split times and calories burned) and searching and following our database of over 14000 recommended routes. But in addition there is the option to take out full membership whereby each of your activities will be automatically logged in your own non-limited log book on www.GoodRunGuide.co.uk, with access to comprehensive graphs and stats. From there you can interact your activities with all the other features of this well-loved, long established Site (launched way back in 2007) APP FEATURES TRACK YOUR RUN – The App will automatically find your location and will track your run using GPS technology. • Choose between Miles/Km and toggle between these as you wish. • Pause the workout and resume when you need to • Splits are automatically recorded every Km/Mile as selected and there is also a manual Splits Button • There is an option to share your run on Facebook • Full Members have access to a personal online log book and all the other Good Run Guide Features VIEW YOUR RUN – your 3 most recent runs are shown in order and your weekly distance totalled. An overview and more details are shown for the last 8 runs • Your last 3 runs are shown on the home screen together with your weekly totals • Each run overview shows a snapshot of the route with route name, day run, distance, time and calories • There is a further details page with route name, distance, pace, time, flat distance equivalent, calories burnt, list of split times with the pace for each Split • The route name can be easily edited to your own choice SEARCH AND FOLLOW ROUTES – search our database of over 14000 recommended routes including our own unique UK GOLD routes (full members only) • Search by current location, place or postcode and view results in list or map view. The distance, climb rate and flat distance equivalent are displayed together with a brief description of the route when available. • Clicking start displays an interactive map of the route to follow and your run will be recorded and saved. Note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life

About

PacePal

Connect with other runners, discover local runs, and track your progress. Earn points for every kilometer run, with group runs offering double points. Use these points for a chance to win monthly prizes and access training plans.

Highlights
  • Host and join runs
  • Interactive run map
  • Earn points for distance
  • Monthly prize draws
  • Real-time GPS tracking
  • In-app messaging
  • Training plans and pace calculator
Features
Read full description

PacePal is the community running app designed to connect PacePal connects runners like never before. Whether you're a first-timer or training for your next ultra, our app helps you find runs, track progress, and earn rewards just for showing up. Join the community. Run together. Get rewarded. Why PacePal? Host Runs: Set the distance, pace, terrain, and start location. Perfect for Run Clubs or casual meetups. Control who joins and keep start locations private until accepted. Join Runs: Explore runs on our interactive map or join instantly using a unique run code. Filter by location, pace, or type of run. Earn Points: Every kilometre tracked earns you PacePal points. Solo runs = 1 point/km. Group runs = 2 points/km. Win Rewards: Each point is an entry into our monthly prize draw. The more you run, the better your chances. GPS Tracking: Log your runs in real time and track your progress over time. Messaging: Chat with fellow runners, coordinate runs, and stay motivated. Training Plans: Access plans from approved coaches or request a custom one. Plans start at just £5.99. Pace Calculator: Plan your pace, time, or distance for any race. Leaderboards: Compete with friends, clubs, or yourself. Set distance or time-based challenges and climb the ranks. Whether you're chasing a PB or just want some company on your runs, PacePal helps you connect, compete, and stay consistent. Find your PacePal. Download now and start running with purpose. Download now and start your running journey with PacePal!

Screenshots

Good Run Guide4 screens
PacePal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: PacePal at every 2 months against Good Run Guide's every 7 months. Good Run Guide's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 89%) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Good Run Guide ships an update every 7 months, PacePal every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Good Run Guide versus PacePal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGood Run GuidePacePal
PriceFreeFree
Rating—1.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better88.9% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS9.3 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size48 MB45 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperGood Run Guide Ltd.PacePal

Customer experience

Good Run Guide

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

PacePal

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive88.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.1%

In-app purchases

None

Good Run Guide

No in-app purchases

None

PacePal

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Good Run Guide free?
Good Run Guide is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PacePal free?
PacePal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Good Run Guide or PacePal have ads?
Neither Good Run Guide nor PacePal shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Good Run Guide or PacePal?
Good Run Guide ships an update every 7 months, and PacePal every 2 months. Most recently, Good Run Guide was updated on October 8, 2026 and PacePal on October 1, 2026.

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