Racefully, the social running app connecting runners through virtual racing, has announced the launch of its first in-app running robot, Runbot 1.

Running at a pace of 6min/km, Runbot 1 mimics human running experiences – centred around competition and motivation – and has been designed to connect beginner-level runners with each other.
The robo-runner hosts 5km group runs for up to seven (human) participants at a time, and launches a new race every 15 minutes. The app tracks the race and lets users know how they are doing against their robotic running mate – and anyone else participating. To join a run, a Racefully app user simply taps the robot’s next run on the run list.

Racefully co-founder, David Naylor, said: “Starting out running can be pretty daunting – and beyond those first steps, just sticking to a run schedule can make or break your fitness goal.
“We designed Runbot 1 with the hope that we will inspire new runners not only to get out and run for the first time, but to meet other runners in the process.”

Runbot 1 is the first in a series of running robots planned for release by Racefully.