The Running
Metronome App.
Hold Any Pace.

The running metronome that turns your target cadence into an audible beat. Set your pace, hear the rhythm, run without watching your wrist.

4.7on the App Store
RunnerRunnerRunnerRunnerRunner
10k+ runners

Why Cadence Matters

Research shows that a cadence around 180 steps per minute reduces impact forces, improves efficiency, and helps prevent common injuries. Runo makes it simple to train your body to find that perfect rhythm.

See the research

Why Runners Choose Runo

Why Train With a
Running Metronome

Most runners know their target pace. Few can actually hold it. Runo bridges that gap with a simple idea: turn pace into rhythm.

Stop Pace Drift

Hold Any Pace From Start to Finish

Tired of starting strong and fading? Runo turns your target pace into an audible rhythm your body can lock into. No more constant adjustments—just smooth, steady miles from the first step to the last.

Find your BPM →

Stay in Flow

Run Without Watching Your Watch

Stop breaking your stride to check your wrist every 30 seconds. Runo gives you real-time pacing through sound so you can focus on running, not monitoring. Your ears do the work while your eyes stay on the path.

Track results →

Protect Your Form

Keep Your Stride Strong Under Fatigue

When you're tired, your cadence drops and your form breaks down—leading to overstriding and strain. A steady beat keeps your turnover consistent so your form stays efficient even when your legs want to quit.

Get started →

Inside The App

Everything You Need,
Nothing You Don't

Precision Control

Set Your Exact Steps Per Minute

Dial in any cadence from 120 to 220 SPM. Start with your current pace or aim for the optimal 180. Half-beat options give you even finer control for interval training.

Music Compatible

Layer Over Podcasts & Music

The metronome plays alongside your favorite audio. Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or playlists while the beat keeps you on pace. No need to choose between entertainment and training.

Progress Tracking

Review Your Run History

See your past runs, track cadence trends, and get feedback on your consistency. Watch your natural rhythm improve over weeks of training.

Integrations

Connect to Strava & Bluetooth

Sync your runs to Strava automatically. Connect Bluetooth heart rate monitors to train by zone. Your data flows where you need it.

On Your Wrist

Apple Watch App Included

Start your metronome right from your wrist. No phone required once you're running. Haptic feedback option for silent pacing cues.

Social

Run With Friends

Add friends, compete on weekly leaderboards, and see their activity. Stay motivated by tracking progress together and celebrating every run.

How the Running
Metronome Works

No complicated setup. No learning curve. Just download, set your pace, and run.

01

Download the App

Get Runo on iOS or Android. Start your free trial—no account required.

02

Set Your Cadence

Choose your target BPM. Start with your current cadence or aim for the optimal 180 SPM.

03

Start Running

Hit play and match your steps to the beat. The metronome guides your rhythm naturally.

04

See Results

Feel the difference in your running efficiency. Faster times, fewer injuries, better form.

Find Your Number

What's Your
Running Cadence?

Cadence is the number of steps you take per minute. Most recreational runners are between 150-170 SPM, while the optimal range is 170-180 SPM. Find yours in 30 seconds.

Quick Test30 seconds

The Science

Running Metronome Science: Peer-Reviewed Research

The science is clear: training with a running metronome improves cadence, reduces impact forces, and helps prevent injuries. Studies show runners targeting 180 steps per minute see measurable improvements in efficiency. Here's what the research says.

Metronome reduces impact forces

Increasing cadence by an average of 7% in an outdoor setting resulted in a decrease in peak force… using a metronome for in-field cadence manipulation led to a change in cadence.

Musgjerd et al., 2021

PMC - Outdoor Running Study

Audio cues increase step rate

Both a metronome and music can be used to increase step rate during running.

Step Rate Study, 2025

PubMed

Higher cadence = lower impact

Peak impact force and loading rate did decrease with increasing cadence, as modulated via acoustic pacing.

Acoustic Pacing Study, 2021

Gait & Posture

Consistent cadence, better economy

For the metronome condition, running cadence was most consistent… cadence consistency may help to improve running economy.

Auditory-Motor Sync Study, 2013

PLOS ONE

Train above your natural pace

Audio metronome feedback set above a runner's self-selected cadence resulted in a change in cadence.

Metronome Retraining Protocol, 2023

PMC

Rhythm improves gait

Rhythmic auditory cueing increased cadence and gait speed.

Rhythmic Cueing Study, 2015

PMC

All quotes are verbatim from peer-reviewed publications. Click the links to read the full studies.

Real Results

Runners Like You,
Running Their Best

From beginners to marathoners, see what runners are saying on the App Store.

2 Marathons, No Injuries

Thanks to cadence running with Runo I was able to run two marathons, one after the other (March and April) with no injuries, and exceeding my desired time!

jzarruk

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

Locked In

I tried a musical metronome app and went back to Runo because the one heavy beat after 3 softer ones keeps me absolutely locked into my cadence.

FadedKamui

App Store · Dec 2025

★★★★★

Better Zone 2

This helps me focus on my run so much better than listening to music or a podcast can. It's keeping me in zone two much longer than before.

Pumpkinluva

App Store · Sep 2024

★★★★★

Simply Works

It does one thing, and does it well: it beats to guide your steps.

Old Dude Running

App Store · May 2025

★★★★★

Audiobook Friendly

It's great being able to listen to my audiobooks while keeping my pace.

Meg247!

App Store · Jun 2025

★★★★★

2 Marathons, No Injuries

Thanks to cadence running with Runo I was able to run two marathons, one after the other (March and April) with no injuries, and exceeding my desired time!

jzarruk

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

Locked In

I tried a musical metronome app and went back to Runo because the one heavy beat after 3 softer ones keeps me absolutely locked into my cadence.

FadedKamui

App Store · Dec 2025

★★★★★

Better Zone 2

This helps me focus on my run so much better than listening to music or a podcast can. It's keeping me in zone two much longer than before.

Pumpkinluva

App Store · Sep 2024

★★★★★

Simply Works

It does one thing, and does it well: it beats to guide your steps.

Old Dude Running

App Store · May 2025

★★★★★

Audiobook Friendly

It's great being able to listen to my audiobooks while keeping my pace.

Meg247!

App Store · Jun 2025

★★★★★

2 Marathons, No Injuries

Thanks to cadence running with Runo I was able to run two marathons, one after the other (March and April) with no injuries, and exceeding my desired time!

jzarruk

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

Locked In

I tried a musical metronome app and went back to Runo because the one heavy beat after 3 softer ones keeps me absolutely locked into my cadence.

FadedKamui

App Store · Dec 2025

★★★★★

Better Zone 2

This helps me focus on my run so much better than listening to music or a podcast can. It's keeping me in zone two much longer than before.

Pumpkinluva

App Store · Sep 2024

★★★★★

Simply Works

It does one thing, and does it well: it beats to guide your steps.

Old Dude Running

App Store · May 2025

★★★★★

Audiobook Friendly

It's great being able to listen to my audiobooks while keeping my pace.

Meg247!

App Store · Jun 2025

★★★★★

Works With Podcasts

A great app for runners like me who appreciate an auditory cadence cue! I can play it behind a podcast and still keep myself entertained.

Akd1

App Store · May 2025

★★★★★

Transformed Running

This app is so simple and effective that it transformed my running experience. I went from barely running to doing it consistently.

48066949

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

Stays Out of the Way

I usually listen to audiobooks while I train. This app's been perfect—it keeps my pace steady without getting in the way.

Fernandaabril

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

Simple & Effective

A good metronome for running that works in the background of music. Simple metronome is all I use it for.

Anonmetronomerunner

App Store · Jan 2026

★★★★★

Highly Recommended

I've been using Runo for a few weeks now and it has helped me stay motivated to reach my goals. Highly recommended!

Margaret MGD

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

Works With Podcasts

A great app for runners like me who appreciate an auditory cadence cue! I can play it behind a podcast and still keep myself entertained.

Akd1

App Store · May 2025

★★★★★

Transformed Running

This app is so simple and effective that it transformed my running experience. I went from barely running to doing it consistently.

48066949

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

Stays Out of the Way

I usually listen to audiobooks while I train. This app's been perfect—it keeps my pace steady without getting in the way.

Fernandaabril

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

Simple & Effective

A good metronome for running that works in the background of music. Simple metronome is all I use it for.

Anonmetronomerunner

App Store · Jan 2026

★★★★★

Highly Recommended

I've been using Runo for a few weeks now and it has helped me stay motivated to reach my goals. Highly recommended!

Margaret MGD

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

Works With Podcasts

A great app for runners like me who appreciate an auditory cadence cue! I can play it behind a podcast and still keep myself entertained.

Akd1

App Store · May 2025

★★★★★

Transformed Running

This app is so simple and effective that it transformed my running experience. I went from barely running to doing it consistently.

48066949

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

Stays Out of the Way

I usually listen to audiobooks while I train. This app's been perfect—it keeps my pace steady without getting in the way.

Fernandaabril

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

Simple & Effective

A good metronome for running that works in the background of music. Simple metronome is all I use it for.

Anonmetronomerunner

App Store · Jan 2026

★★★★★

Highly Recommended

I've been using Runo for a few weeks now and it has helped me stay motivated to reach my goals. Highly recommended!

Margaret MGD

App Store · Apr 2025

★★★★★

From the Blog

Running Cadence Tips
& Metronome Guides

View all running tips

Questions

Everything You
Need To Know

Common questions about Runo and cadence training.

Cadence is the number of steps you take per minute (SPM). Research shows that a higher cadence (around 170-180 SPM) reduces impact forces on your joints, improves efficiency, and helps prevent injuries like shin splints and runner's knee. It's one of the simplest ways to run faster and safer.

Instead of constantly checking your watch, you lock into an audible rhythm. Your body naturally syncs to the beat, keeping your cadence—and pace—consistent from start to finish. No more starting too fast and fading at the end.

Yes! The metronome plays alongside your audio. Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or playlists while the beat keeps you on pace. Many users say this is their favorite feature—entertainment without losing focus on form.

Most runners adapt within 2-3 runs. After that, many find it meditative—the rhythm fades into the background while keeping your body on pace. Your legs develop muscle memory, and eventually you maintain good cadence without even thinking about it.

Start with your natural cadence (most recreational runners are 150-170 SPM), then increase by 5 SPM every few weeks. The app lets you dial in any cadence from 120-220 SPM with half-beat precision for interval training.

The opposite, actually. Consistent practice builds muscle memory. After a few weeks, runners often find they naturally maintain their target cadence even without the app. Think of Runo as training wheels that you eventually outgrow.

Anyone who runs. Beginners use it to build good habits from day one. Experienced runners use it for tempo runs, intervals, and race-pace training. Coaches use it with clients. If you've ever drifted off pace or checked your watch too often, Runo is for you.

Runo offers a free trial so you can test everything before committing. After that, it's a simple subscription—no ads, no gimmicks. We built Runo because we wanted a cadence tool that actually works, and subscriptions let us keep improving it.

Yes to both. Runo works without internet for trail runs or races. The Apple Watch app lets you start your metronome from your wrist—no phone needed once you're running. Haptic feedback is available for silent pacing cues.

A running metronome is an app that plays a steady beat at your target cadence (steps per minute). You sync your footsteps to the rhythm, which helps you maintain consistent pace, improve form, and run more efficiently. Runo is a running metronome designed specifically for runners—not musicians.

Research suggests 180 steps per minute is optimal for most runners. At this cadence, you reduce impact forces, improve efficiency, and lower injury risk. However, the ideal cadence varies by height, pace, and experience. Most recreational runners are between 150-170 SPM—Runo helps you gradually increase to your optimal range.

Start by measuring your current cadence during an easy run. Then use a metronome app like Runo to practice at 5-10 SPM above your baseline. Focus on quick, light steps rather than longer strides. Most runners see improvement within 2-4 weeks of consistent practice.

180 SPM is considered the gold standard for running cadence, backed by research on elite runners. At this cadence, your feet spend less time on the ground, reducing braking forces and impact. While not everyone needs exactly 180 SPM, aiming for 170-180 range typically improves efficiency and reduces injury risk.

Cadence in running refers to the number of steps you take per minute (SPM). It measures your leg turnover rate—how quickly your feet hit the ground. A higher cadence typically means shorter, quicker steps, which reduces impact forces and improves running efficiency. Most elite runners maintain a cadence between 180-190 SPM.

Yes, Runo has a dedicated Apple Watch app. You can control the running metronome directly from your wrist—start, stop, and adjust your target cadence without pulling out your phone. The Apple Watch app also supports haptic feedback, giving you silent vibration cues to maintain your rhythm.

Overstriding happens when your foot lands too far ahead of your body, causing braking forces and increasing injury risk. To fix it, increase your cadence by 5-10%. A running metronome like Runo helps by giving you an audible target—faster turnover naturally shortens your stride and keeps your feet landing under your hips.

A running metronome provides a consistent audio beat that matches your target cadence. Instead of constantly checking your watch, you sync your footsteps to the rhythm. This keeps your pace steady throughout your run—no more starting too fast and fading, or slowing down without realizing it.

Pace drift is common in longer runs because fatigue makes it hard to feel your rhythm. A running metronome solves this by providing an external cue your body can lock into. When your legs get tired, the beat keeps you honest. Many marathoners use Runo specifically to hold their target pace in the final miles.

Try It Free

Stop Drifting.
Start Running On Beat.

Hold your pace. Protect your form. Run your best mile yet.