Published by Treadline
Territory running apps: compare loops, hexes and road coverage
Treadline suits runners and walkers who want territory from qualifying loops and lasting landmark badges. Run An Empire suits people who want hex capture and an empire-building strategy game. If exploring new roads matters more than owning territory, consider Wandrer alongside Strava.
This guide is published by Treadline, one of the apps discussed. No app paid for placement. Sources and copy reviewed ; features, access and purchase options can change.
How to choose
Compare the action that earns progress, whether you want a personal map or competition, and what stays after an outing. Check device support and free-access limits before choosing. Road coverage is included as a different exploration goal, not described as territory ownership.
Compare the motivation
| App | What it suits | Cost and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Treadline | Real landmark badges from qualifying loops on iPhone. | Recording, territory and badges free; Pro optional. |
| Run An Empire | Enter or encircle map hexes during a recorded outing, then develop an empire. | Free-to-play on iPhone and Android; supports walking, running and wheelchair rides. |
| Wandrer | Track newly travelled roads using activities from a linked Strava account. | Free: 50 past Strava activities and 10 GPS map downloads. An upgrade processes all history. |
Check what counts as a capture
In Treadline, a qualifying running or walking loop can capture the enclosed ground. A landmark badge requires that capture to enclose the landmark’s marked location; passing it on a straight route does not satisfy the badge rule.
Run An Empire’s FAQ describes a different system: enter or encircle a hex while tracking your activity to capture it. Its empire-building and resource systems may appeal if you want strategy between outings. Do not assume its hex rule and Treadline’s landmark-enclosure rule are interchangeable.
Choose a personal map or a competitive goal
Treadline’s Solo territory cannot be taken by another person. Club territory lets clubmates compete over ground. This gives you a choice between preserving personal map progress and taking part in a club competition.
Landmark badges are a separate lasting collection: once earned, the badge remains yours even if competitive territory changes hands. The released comparison here does not promise a worldwide competitive territory map or that joining a club is required to collect landmarks.
Consider road coverage if ownership is not the draw
Wandrer gives credit for newly travelled roads from a linked Strava account. That can suit someone who wants to explore new streets while continuing to use Strava. Its progress is road coverage, rather than a claim to exclusive territory.
The official FAQ lists 50 past Strava activities and 10 GPS-device map downloads for a free account. An upgrade processes all historical activities. Check those limits if bringing in a long activity history is a deciding factor.
Check the practical fit before your first outing
Treadline’s recording, territory and landmark badges are free, with optional Pro extras including Fog of War. Treadline records on iPhone and Android. Run An Empire’s FAQ lists free-to-play access on both iPhone and Android.
For a Treadline landmark, inspect the marked point and choose a loop you can use in the actual area. The catalogue offers some audited GPX suggestions, not live territory ownership or guaranteed access. A small, familiar outing is enough to test whether the capture mechanic interests you.
Try a landmark loop
Sources and further reading
- Run An Empire — official product information (reviewed 2026-10-26)
- Wandrer — official product information (reviewed 2026-10-26)
- Treadline FAQ: released features, imports and purchase options (reviewed 2026-10-26)
- Treadline FAQ — released product facts