App Update #1
First off — thank you for signing up to learn more about the United States of Running project.
Since this is the first update I’m sending out, I wanted to start by introducing myself.
My name is Tom, and I currently live in Colorado just south of Denver. I’m originally from New York and have spent time in the Midwest and the South at different points in my life.
I first discovered running when I joined my high school cross-country team, and it quickly became a lifelong passion.
In 2016 I discovered the idea of lifelong running challenges, including the challenge of completing races in all 50 states. That idea completely changed the way I looked at running and racing.
Right now I’m actually recovering from a knee injury that has sidelined me longer than I would like, which has made me even more excited to build something that celebrates the journey of runners chasing these long-term goals.
The United States of Running app is my attempt to build something that helps support and celebrate that journey.
What the App Is (and What It Isn’t)
United States of Running is not another run tracking app.
There are already great apps for tracking runs, training plans, and workouts.
Instead, this app is designed to be a showcase for your running journey — specifically for runners pursuing races in all 50 states.
The goal is to create a fun place where runners can track their progress, celebrate milestones, and share achievements with friends and other runners.
The Core Parts of the App
The first version of the app is being built around three main areas.
🏆 The Trophy Room
This is the feature many of you have already seen screenshots of.
The Trophy Room is where runners can showcase their achievements as they complete races in new states. As you progress on your 50-state journey, you'll be able to visually track the states you've completed and share those milestones with friends or on social media.
Think of it as a digital display case for your running journey.
🎒 The Locker Room
The Locker Room will serve as your personal hub inside the app.
This is where runners will be able to track their progress, organize their states, and manage their overall 50-state challenge.
🔎 Race Search Engine
Planning races across the country can be difficult.
One of the premium features of the app will include advanced race search tools that help runners discover races in states they still need.
The goal is to make planning your next state easier and more fun.
Free vs Premium
The app will launch with a free version and a premium tier.
The most important thing for me is that the free version is still useful, fun, and engaging. I don’t want people to shy away from the app because the free version doesn’t help them.
Premium features will include additional planning tools and advanced race discovery features.
Technology Update
Right now the app is being developed for iPhone (iOS).
Eventually I absolutely want to support Android devices as well, but since this project is currently being built in my spare time outside of work, I need to focus on one platform first.
Once the iOS version is stable, expanding to Android will be a priority.
Beta Testing
I'm currently aiming to launch a beta version of the app around April 1st.
Beta testers will get early access to the app and help shape how the first version evolves.
If you're interested in helping test the app, you can sign up here:
👉 Join the Beta Program
Your feedback during this stage will be incredibly valuable.
Founding State Ambassadors
One thing I’m especially excited about is building a community around this challenge.
To help with that, I’m hoping to find the first runner from each state who wants to help represent the project and spread the word.
These runners will become Founding State Ambassadors and will be recognized as part of the early community that helped launch the app.
My hope is that this group will help bring together a diverse cross-section of runners from across the country.
If you'd like to represent your state:
👉 Apply to Become a State Ambassador
Founding Members
We’re also planning to recognize the first 1,000 runners who register in the app as Founding Members of United States of Running.
Founding Members will receive:
• special early pricing for premium features
• recognition inside the app
More details on this will be shared as we get closer to launch.
What We're Working on Before the Beta Launch
The core structure of the app is already in place, but there are still a few key pieces we're finishing before the first beta release.
Here are some of the main things currently in development:
Completing the Trophy Room experience
The Trophy Room is the heart of the app. We're finishing the interface that allows runners to log their completed states and display them visually on their personal map.
State completion tracking
We're finalizing the system that allows runners to record races and track which states they've completed as they progress toward all 50.
Shareable milestone graphics
One of the goals of the app is to help runners celebrate their progress. We're working on shareable graphics that allow runners to post milestones like completing a new state or reaching major journey checkpoints.
Race discovery tools
The first version of the race search engine is being built to help runners discover races in states they still need.
User profiles and journey stats
Runners will have a personal profile showing their progress, number of states completed, and lifetime race totals.
Thank You
Building something like this is a big project, and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has shown early interest in the idea.
The 50-state running journey is one of the most unique and rewarding challenges in the sport, and I’m excited to build something that celebrates that culture and connects runners who are pursuing it.
More updates coming soon.
— Tom
United States of Running
tom@unitedstatesofrunning.app
If you'd like to get involved:
