Comparison

Start Running For Beginners vs Running Coach

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Start Running For Beginners

This app guides beginners into running with a structured plan designed to increase jogging time gradually. It offers personalized coaching, detailed tracking, and voice feedback to help users achieve their fitness goals, including weight loss.

Highlights
  • Personal running coach
  • Couch to 5K training plan
  • Distance, speed, and pace tracker
  • GPS route tracking
  • Calorie counter
  • Voice feedback
Features
Read full description

Taking up running? What could be easier! Don’t worry about distance, pace, or speed. Let's think about all this later. Listen to the instructions and run as you like. Don't focus on your running technique. The most important thing now is to get out and start running. Your goal is to increase the jogging time. Nothing else matters right now. Features: + Personal running coach + Couch to 5K (c25k) alternative training plan + Detailed statistics of each training + Distance, speed and pace tracker + GPS-route of every session + Built-in pedometer + Calorie counter + Custom workouts + Voice feedback + Sync with Apple Health The workout plan is split into 4 levels. Each level has a specific goal for jogging duration: • Level 1 goal is 20 minutes. • Level 2 goal is 30 minutes. • Level 3 goal is 40 minutes. • Level 4 goal is 60 minutes of running. Each level has a 4-weeks duration, and 3 workouts per week. Join us running! Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Running Coach

Personalized running plans for beginners to build endurance safely and achieve weight loss goals. Offers indoor/outdoor workouts, audio coaching, and progress tracking. Includes strength training and nutrition tips.

Highlights
  • Beginner-friendly workout plans
  • Progressive training system
  • Weight loss focused routines
  • Indoor and outdoor workout options
  • Audio coaching guidance
  • Progress tracking with analytics
  • Nutrition tips for runners
Features
Read full description

Transform your fitness journey with personalized running plans designed specifically for beginners. Whether you're starting from the couch or returning after a break, our expert coaching guides you safely toward your weight loss and fitness goals. Running Coach makes starting your running journey simple and sustainable. No more guesswork, no overwhelming routines—just clear, achievable plans that fit your current fitness level and help you progress at your own pace. Thousands of beginners have successfully started their running journey and achieved their weight loss goals with our proven training methodology. BEGINNER-FOCUSED APPROACH Start with walk-run intervals that gradually build your endurance and confidence. Our progressive programs take you from your first steps to completing 5K, 10K, or longer distances. Every workout includes audio coaching cues that guide your pace, encourage your effort, and celebrate your progress in real-time. WEIGHT LOSS OPTIMIZATION Track calories burned during every workout with accurate metrics tied to your personal data. Our training philosophy combines cardiovascular exercise with proven fat-burning techniques. Learn proper running form that increases efficiency and calorie expenditure while reducing strain on your joints. COMPREHENSIVE WORKOUT LIBRARY Access dozens of structured running workouts including interval training, tempo runs, long distance builds, and recovery jogs. Each session comes with detailed instructions, target heart rate zones, and estimated completion times. Mix and match workouts or follow our expertly designed programs from start to finish. PROGRESS TRACKING & MOTIVATION Monitor your improvements with detailed statistics covering distance, pace, duration, and calories burned. Visual charts show your consistency and advancement over weeks and months. Set personal records and watch yourself get faster and stronger with every completed workout. FORM & TECHNIQUE GUIDANCE Learn proper running mechanics through detailed video demonstrations and written instructions. Understand breathing techniques, foot strike patterns, arm movement, and posture adjustments that improve performance. Our biomechanics tips help prevent common beginner injuries while making running feel more natural and enjoyable. FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING Train on your schedule with workouts that fit into busy lifestyles. Most sessions range from 20 to 45 minutes, making consistency achievable even with work, family, and other commitments. Reschedule workouts without losing your place in the program, and take rest days when your body needs recovery. NUTRITION & RECOVERY TIPS Receive guidance on pre-run and post-run nutrition to fuel your workouts and optimize weight loss. Learn about hydration strategies, meal timing, and healthy eating habits that complement your training. Access recovery protocols including stretching routines and rest day activities that support your running goals. MULTIPLE DISTANCE GOALS Choose programs targeting 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or general fitness improvement. Each goal includes multiple difficulty levels, ensuring appropriate challenge whether you're truly starting from zero or have some running experience. Switch between goals as your fitness evolves and your ambitions grow. HEALTH APP INTEGRATION Sync your workouts with Apple Health to maintain a comprehensive view of your fitness journey. Share running data with other health and fitness apps you use, creating a connected wellness ecosystem. Your achievements contribute to closing activity rings and meeting daily movement goals. Start your running journey today with expert guidance designed specifically for beginners. Download Running Coach now and take the first step toward a healthier, more active lifestyle. Your weight loss and fitness transformation begins with a single run. Terms of use - http://thecookbk.com/terms.php?appname=running.workout.weightloss

Screenshots

Start Running For Beginners4 screens
Running Coach3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Start Running For Beginners at 97% against Running Coach's 0%. Start Running For Beginners also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.5) and ratings volume (2.1K vs 4). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Start Running For Beginners sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Running Coach sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $11.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Start Running For Beginners holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Start Running For Beginners has 2.1K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 97% of Start Running For Beginners's written reviews are positive against 0% of Running Coach's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Start Running For Beginners ships an update every 3 months, Running Coach every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Start Running For Beginners versus Running Coach: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStart Running For BeginnersRunning Coach
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (2.1K ratings) — better3.5 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews96.8% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings2.1K — better4
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.616.6
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB99 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAxiom Mobile LLCRiafy Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Customer experience

Start Running For Beginners

All ratings2,063 ratings
Positive95.7%
Neutral2.9%
Negative1.4%
Written reviews1,322 reviews
Positive96.8%
Neutral2.1%
Negative1.1%

Running Coach

All ratings4 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Bugs and requests

Start Running For Beginners

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Sync issues when changing devices
  • App crashes or freezes occasionally

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add more customization options
  • Provide more detailed workout statistics
  • Integrate with fitness trackers
  • Offer more advanced training plans

Running Coach

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Start Running For Beginners

Subscriptions2
  • Full Version$1.991 Month
  • Full Version$4.996 Months
One-time3
  • Full Version$1.99
  • Full version$4.99
  • Full version$9.99
4 purchases

Running Coach

Subscriptions3
  • Running Tracker Monthly$11.491 Month
  • Running Tracker Half Yearly$39.996 Months
  • Running Tracker Discounted1 Month trial$39.996 Months
One-time1
  • 7 days premium$2.99

Questions

Is Start Running For Beginners free?
Start Running For Beginners is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Running Coach free?
Running Coach is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Start Running For Beginners or Running Coach?
Start Running For Beginners is rated higher. Start Running For Beginners averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2.1K ratings, while Running Coach averages 3.5 from 4 ratings.
Do Start Running For Beginners or Running Coach have ads?
Neither Start Running For Beginners nor Running Coach shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Start Running For Beginners or Running Coach?
Start Running For Beginners ships an update every 3 months, and Running Coach every 2 months. Most recently, Start Running For Beginners was updated on September 26, 2026 and Running Coach on September 9, 2026.

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