Make Running
a Game.
Everything Strava does, but more fun. Track every run with full GPS, then capture real territory just by running loops on the map. Free on iOS.
Download on the
App Store
CAPTURE
THE MAP
MoteraTRACK
EVERY RUN
CLIMB
THE RANKS
MoteraHow It Works
Three steps to capture your first territory.
01. Scout
Go for a run to reveal the Fog of War. Every step uncovers new potential territory.
02. Claim
Encircle an area completely to capture it for yourself. The bigger the loop, the bigger the reward.
03. Defend
Territories stay yours unless captured by others. Keep running through them to hold on.
* Tip: Start with small loops, then go bigger as you get fitter.
Everything in One App
A full GPS running tracker and a game in one. Capture territory, compete with others, and earn rewards.
Capture Real Territory
Run in loops to claim zones on the real map. The bigger your loop, the more territory you own. Your area grows with every run.
Track Your Progress
Monitor your runs, distance covered, and territories claimed. Watch your stats grow with every session.
Real-Time Map
See who owns what around you, and plan where to run next.
Earn Real Rewards
Claim zones, earn points. Redeem for exclusive gear and perks.
Compete Globally
Weekly leaderboards. City rankings. Prove you're the best runner in town.
What Runners Say
"I just claimed the whole park. Another runner tried to cut off my loop, so I sprinted the last 500m to close it. This actually makes running fun."
"My morning jog used to be boring. Now I plan routes to capture more territory. The Fog of War even led me to streets I never knew existed."
"Finally a running app that isn't just charts. Defending my turf from my neighbor has become a weekly thing. So much better than plain tracking."
What is Motera?
Motera is a free running app for iOS that turns every run into a strategy game. When you run a closed loop around any area, you capture that territory on a real-world map. Other runners can take your territory by running through it, creating real competition. The bigger your loop, the more points and land you claim.
MoteraUnlike traditional running trackers like Strava or Nike Run Club, Motera adds a game layer on top of full GPS tracking. You get all the stats you need (distance, pace, splits, elevation, calories, route mapping) plus territory capture, XP, leveling, and leaderboards. A Fog of War mechanic hides streets you have never visited, turning every run into an exploration mission.
Motera is also a social network for runners. You can join groups, chat with other runners, comment on runs, and share posts, so it works like a running-focused social media platform on top of the tracker and the game. That combination, GPS tracking plus a real-world territory game plus a community feed, is what makes Motera different from every other running app.
Motera is built for runners who get bored of the same routes and want purpose, competition, and fun in every run. It works great alongside other apps since it runs in the background. Available free on the App Store.
Free Running Tools
We also build free tools for the running community. No sign-up required.
Running Guides
Free guides for every type of runner, from beginners to marathon veterans.
Motera vs the Rest
Motera does what every app below does, full GPS tracking, and adds two things they do not have: real-world territory capture and a social network for runners with groups, chats, comments, and posts. Here is how it compares in 2026.
Motera vs Strava
Moteravs Strava: Same GPS tracking, plus you capture real territory as you run. Free.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Social runners who want segments and training analytics
Pros
Cons
Motera vs Nike Run Club
Moteravs Nike Run Club: Adds territory capture and city leaderboards on top of tracking.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Casual runners wanting free coached runs
Pros
Cons
Motera vs Runna
Moteravs Runna: Free, and turns every run into a game you actually want to do.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Personalized AI training plans for race prep
Pros
Cons
Motera vs Garmin Coach
Moteravs Garmin Coach: Runs on your iPhone, no watch or extra hardware needed.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Garmin watch owners wanting adaptive plans
Pros
Cons
Motera vs Runkeeper
Moteravs Runkeeper: Free GPS tracking plus a full territory game, nothing locked away.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Casual runners wanting simple GPS tracking
Pros
Cons
Most runners stack Motera on top of a structured plan from Nike Run Club, Runna, or Garmin Coach. Motera handles the motivation layer that keeps you actually showing up. Pricing accurate as of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Motera?
Motera is a free iOS running app that combines full GPS run tracking, a real-world territory-capture game, and a social network for runners. You run closed loops to claim territory on a live city map, earn XP and climb leaderboards, and connect with other runners through groups, chats, comments, and posts.
Is Motera free?
Yes. Motera is free to download on the App Store and free to use, including GPS tracking, territory capture, leaderboards, and the social features. There is an optional Pro tier for extra features, but the core app is free.
How does territory capture work in Motera?
When you run a closed loop around any area, Motera captures that territory for you on a real-world map. The bigger your loop, the more land and points you claim. Other runners can take your territory back by running through it, which creates real, ongoing competition in your city.
Is Motera a social network for runners?
Yes. Beyond tracking and the territory game, Motera works like a social media platform built for runners. You can join groups, chat with other runners, comment on runs, and share posts, so you get community and competition in one app.
How is Motera different from Strava or Nike Run Club?
Motera does everything a standard tracker does (distance, pace, splits, elevation, route mapping) and adds two things those apps do not have: a real-world territory-capture game on a live map, and a full social network for runners with groups, chats, comments, and posts. Strava focuses on segments and a social feed, Nike Run Club on coached audio runs, but neither turns your run into a map-based game.
Is Motera available on Android?
Motera is iOS only for now and available free on the App Store. Android support is on the way. You can follow motera.app for launch updates.
Does Motera work alongside Strava and other running apps?
Yes. Motera runs in the background, so you can keep using Strava, Nike Run Club, Garmin, or any training plan and run Motera at the same time to add the territory game and social layer on top.
What is the Fog of War in Motera?
Fog of War hides streets you have never run before. As you explore your city on foot, the map is revealed, turning every run into an exploration mission and encouraging you to discover new routes.
Is there a running app where you run to capture territory, like Pokemon GO?
Yes. Motera is often described as Pokemon GO for running. You explore your city on foot, reveal the map through Fog of War, and capture real-world territory by running loops around areas, which turns every run into a game you play on a live map.
What is the best free alternative to Strava in 2026?
Motera is one of the best free Strava alternatives in 2026. It gives you full GPS tracking for free (distance, pace, splits, elevation, and route mapping), and adds two things Strava does not have: a real-world territory-capture game and a social network for runners with groups, chats, comments, and posts.
How do I make running less boring?
Turn it into a game. Motera makes running fun by giving each run a goal beyond distance: you capture territory on a live map, compete on local leaderboards, earn XP and level up, and connect with other runners. Instead of just logging miles, you are playing for your city.
Do I need a smartwatch to use Motera, or does my phone work?
You only need your iPhone. Motera uses your phone built-in GPS to track runs and capture territory, so no smartwatch or extra hardware is required. Unlike Garmin Coach, which needs a Garmin watch, Motera works with the phone already in your pocket.
Does Motera work in the background, and how does it affect battery?
Motera is built to run in the background, so you can lock your phone or use other apps while it records your run and captures territory. Like any GPS run tracker, live location tracking uses battery, so a full charge is recommended for longer runs.
What is the best running app to compete with friends?
Motera is built for competing with friends. You can take each other territory on the map, climb local leaderboards, and stay connected through groups and chats, so running becomes an ongoing head-to-head competition instead of a solo activity.
Is my running data private with Motera?
You control what you share with other runners. Your runs power your own map, stats, and captured territory, and you decide what appears to the community. For full details on how your data is stored and used, see the Motera privacy policy on motera.app.
MoteraMotera turns your runs into a game. Capture real territory on a live map, earn XP, and take over your city. Free on iOS.