As the ultramarathon and trail running communities continue to grow, safety has become a key concern for runners, especially in remote and rugged terrains. While physical endurance and mental toughness are essential, knowing how to stay safe while navigating these challenging courses is equally important.
In 2025, trail running safety apps are emerging as critical tools for keeping runners safe, connected, and on track. From real-time race tracking to satellite messengers and location-sharing tools, these apps are designed to prevent accidents and ensure quick recovery if something goes wrong on the course. Let’s dive into some of the most important safety apps ultrarunners should use.
🧭 1. What3Words: Simplicity That Saves Lives
One of the most revolutionary tools for runners, especially in remote environments, is What3Words. This app has divided the world into 3m x 3m squares, assigning each square a unique three-word address. This makes sharing precise locations incredibly easy, no matter where you are.
Why What3Words Is Essential:
Accuracy in Emergencies: In the event of an emergency, runners can simply share their three-word address with race organizers or rescue teams. This provides an exact location, even if there are no trail markers or clear landmarks.
Peace of Mind: For runners and support crews, knowing that What3Words is available for location sharing provides extra safety and confidence during the race.
“I used What3Words during my remote ultra, and when I lost my way, I was able to send my exact location to my crew in seconds. It was a game-changer.” — Jessica T., Hardrock 100 finisher
🛰️ 2. Satellite Messengers: Stay Connected, Even in the Wildest Terrain
While What3Words helps with location sharing, satellite messengers like the Garmin inReach and SPOT Gen 4 ensure that you can stay connected even in the most remote areas without cell service.
Key Features of Satellite Messengers:
Two-Way Messaging: These devices allow for communication with race organizers, your support crew, or emergency services, even in the absence of a mobile signal.
SOS Alerts: If something goes wrong, pressing the SOS button triggers an immediate rescue response, providing an added layer of safety during long, isolated races.
Real-Time Tracking: Satellite messengers allow your crew to track your progress in real time, ensuring that someone is always aware of your location.
“During my 200-mile race, I was able to stay connected with my crew using the Garmin inReach. Knowing they were tracking me gave me peace of mind, especially in remote sections.” — Brian P., Moab 240 finisher
📡 3. Real-Time Race Tracking: Keeping Crews in the Loop
Real-time race tracking is becoming increasingly popular in ultramarathons, offering a way for runners’ support crews to monitor their progress throughout the race. While race organizers typically provide live tracking, many runners are now using smartphone apps or dedicated GPS devices to keep their crews updated.
Why Live Tracking is Important:
Improved Support: Crew members can adjust their support plans based on the runner’s location, ensuring aid stations, water refills, and other needs are met without delays.
Enhanced Safety: In case of an emergency, knowing a runner’s exact location in real time makes it easier for race officials or crews to intervene quickly.
Engagement: Live tracking also allows friends and family to track your progress, making them feel connected and involved in your journey.
“Live tracking through RaceDay helped my crew see exactly where I was, and they were ready with supplies when I reached them. It made the race feel more like a team effort.” — Emily R., Western States 100
⚡ 4. Other Safety Apps Worth Considering for 2025
In addition to the major players like What3Words and satellite messengers, several other safety apps are making their way into ultramarathoners’ gear kits. These tools are designed to enhance runner safety by providing real-time updates on weather, course conditions, and personal health.
Top Safety Apps:
Komoot: A route planning app that offers turn-by-turn directions and real-time route tracking.
Gaia GPS: A powerful mapping app used by runners to plan and follow their courses, especially in areas where marked trails are minimal.
MyRadar: A weather app that provides weather alerts and real-time radar to help you avoid storms and other dangerous conditions.
“During my desert ultra, I used Komoot to navigate unfamiliar terrain. It helped me avoid taking the wrong turns and getting off course.” — Carlos L., Badwater Ultra participant
💡 Monetization: Affiliate Links to Safety Apps
Monetizing this content is simple: linking to safety apps and satellite messengers through affiliate programs can provide a steady stream of revenue. Partnering with app developers and companies like Garmin or What3Words can be beneficial for both you and your audience, as they look for reliable tools to keep them safe during races.
📌 Final Thoughts: Safety First, Technology Second
As ultramarathons continue to push the limits of human endurance, safety tools are becoming more sophisticated and accessible. While technology plays a vital role in navigation and communication, it’s equally important to stay grounded and prepared. Always make sure to carry reliable safety tools like What3Words, satellite messengers, and real-time tracking apps, and remember: safety should always come first in the race.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is What3Words, and how does it help trail runners during ultramarathons?
What3Words is a location-based app that divides the world into 3m x 3m squares, each assigned a unique three-word address. For ultrarunners, this system makes it incredibly easy to share precise locations in emergency situations, even in remote locations without traditional address systems or trail markers. It’s perfect for race organizers, crew members, or rescue teams to quickly find you.
2. How do satellite messengers work, and should I use one during my ultramarathon?
Satellite messengers, such as the Garmin inReach or SPOT Gen 4, allow ultrarunners to send two-way messages and receive real-time location tracking, even in areas without cell service. These devices are essential for remote races or races with limited support infrastructure. They can also be used for emergency alerts via an SOS button to request help in case of danger or injury.
3. Why is live race tracking important for both runners and support crews?
Live race tracking allows runners’ support crews to follow their progress in real time, ensuring that they are prepared with supplies, water, and food at the right times. It also provides safety by letting crews know if something goes wrong, such as when a runner gets off course or experiences a medical issue. Race officials also benefit from this feature, as they can monitor the entire race for any issues.
4. What are the main benefits of using real-time tracking apps like RaceDay?
Real-time tracking apps like RaceDay allow both runners and support crews to track each other’s progress during the race. For the runner, it helps keep your crew informed about your current location, so they can provide timely assistance. For race organizers, real-time tracking ensures safety and allows them to address any issues quickly, ensuring that runners remain on the correct path.
5. What are some of the best safety apps I should use in an ultramarathon?
What3Words for location sharing in emergencies.
Komoot for navigation, offering turn-by-turn directions.
Gaia GPS for mapping and trail planning.
MyRadar for weather alerts, ensuring that you avoid dangerous conditions. These apps are all designed to help you navigate safely and stay connected during your ultramarathon.
6. Are there any downsides to relying on safety apps during a race?
While safety apps like What3Words, satellite messengers, and real-time tracking tools are excellent for navigation and safety, technology failures (such as battery drain or signal loss) are always possible. Runners should never rely entirely on technology and should also train in manual navigation (e.g., using maps or compasses) as a backup in case tech fails.
7. Do I need to have a satellite messenger if I’m running a race with good course markings?
Even if the race course is well-marked, a satellite messenger can still provide an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. These devices allow you to stay in touch with your crew and race organizers, ensuring you’re always connected, especially in remote sections of the course where your cell signal might be weak or non-existent.
8. How do I choose the right safety app for my race?
When selecting a safety app, consider the type of race you’re participating in. If the race is in a remote location, you may need both What3Words for location sharing and a satellite messenger for communication. For races with established support stations and clear course markings, GPS apps and real-time tracking apps like RaceDay can help keep your crew updated on your progress.
About the Author Lost Pace is an ultramarathon runner, shoe-tester and the founder of umit.net. Based year-round in Türkiye’s rugged Kaçkar Mountains, he has logged 10,000 + km of technical trail running and completed multiple 50 K–100 K ultras.
Blending mountain grit with data, Lost analyses power (CP 300 W), HRV and nutrition to craft evidence-backed training plans. He has co-written 260 + long-form guides on footwear science, recovery and endurance nutrition, and is a regular beta-tester of AI-driven coaching tools.
When he isn’t chasing PRs or testing midsoles, you’ll find him sharing peer-reviewed research in plain English to help runners train smarter, stay healthier and finish stronger.
Ultrarunner · Data geek · Vegan athlete
