One of the best ways to stay motivated to exercise is by enlisting friends and doing it in groups. I can't tell you how often I've gotten off my chair and walked around frantically to beat someone at a Fitbit challenge, which amounts to added activity that I would have never done otherwise. Now this friendly competition aspect is making it into the Runkeeper app.
Version 7.0 of Runkeeper is adding the option to create running groups. You can choose whether you want to challenge each other on weekly or monthly distance or weekly run frequency, then pick the duration of the challenge, invite some of your Runkeeper buddies, and assign a fun name to the group. Once your friends join, you'll be able to see each runner's progress and chat in the group's page to encourage, or more likely taunt, each other. It might seem quirky, but we're all competitors at heart so this might actually get you to move more.
WHAT'S NEW
Running is better together, so we’re thrilled to bring you Running Groups to help keep you motivated! Pick a running challenge of your choosing, invite friends, track each other’s progress, and use the chat to cheer each other on. Check out the Challenge tab to get started.
Runkeeper is free in the Play Store, but there are IAPs for added functionality throughout the app. Groups should be free to everyone though.
Source: Runkeeper