Comparison

Virtual Runner UK vs PaceBox

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

Head to head
About

Virtual Runner UK

Participate in virtual races from anywhere, at any pace. Track your progress, submit evidence of completion, and earn medals. Stay fit year-round with motivational challenges.

Highlights
  • Enter virtual races
  • Run anywhere, any pace
  • Submit race evidence
  • Track progress
  • Discover motivational challenges
  • Earn race medals
Features
Read full description

Virtual running works exactly the same as any other type of running but the difference is that the entered race can be run at any location, at any pace, inside on a treadmill or outside in another country! All you have to do is enter a race and provide evidence that you have done it. That's it! You can now use our handy App to enter, submit and check out your results! Virtual races are a great way to stay fit and active all year round, run for a good cause and get awesome medals for your participation! Use our App to track your progress, submit your evidence and search for your next motivational challenge.

About

PaceBox

Features
Read full description

PaceBox is the beginner to intermediate level Apple Watch Running Plan app. Training shouldn't cost a fortune! PaceBox makes structured running plans accessible to everyone, featuring seamless Apple Watch syncing and full Apple Health support. Plans for popular distances like 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon, you get first class training at a fraction of the cost of other running apps. WHY WE LOVE PACEBOX Simple & Easy to Use No complicated interfaces or overwhelming features. Just browse plans, pick one that matches your goal, and start training. Every workout is clearly explained with straightforward instructions. Incredibly Affordable Β£1.99/month or Β£9.99/year unlocks everything. Compare that to Β£15+/month for other premium running apps. Quality training shouldn't break the bank. Works Seamlessly with Apple Watch and Apple Health One tap schedules workouts directly to your Apple Watch. No manual entry, no copying workout details. It just works. Your scheduled runs appear at the top of your Workout app, ready to go. WHAT YOU GET β€’ Progressive training plans starting with beginner runners β€’ Plans for 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon distances β€’ Clear, simple workout descriptions β€’ One-tap scheduling to Apple Watch β€’ Visual progress tracking β€’ Personal records tracking β€’ Trophies for completed plans β€’ Quick interactive guide to get you started THE PACEBOX DIFFERENCE Unlike complicated training apps with endless features you'll never use, PaceBox focuses on what matters: getting you to the start line prepared and confident. No subscription tiers, no locked features within Premium – pay one low price and access everything. PERFECT FOR β€’ New runners taking their first steps β€’ Returning runners getting back into shape β€’ Experienced runners chasing new goals β€’ Anyone who wants simple, structured training β€’ Runners tired of overpriced coaching apps HOW IT WORKS 1. Browse training plans by distance 2. Choose a plan for your goal 3. Tap "Start Plan" 4. Schedule workouts to your watch with one tap 5. Complete your runs and check them off 6. Track your progress and earn trophies APPLE WATCH INTEGRATION PaceBox works beautifully with your Apple Watch. Schedule a workout and it appears instantly in your Workout app. Once completed the run can be viewed in the Apple Fitness app on iPhone. PRIVACY FIRST All your data stays on your device. TRY IT RISK-FREE Download and explore our First 5k plan alongside the first two weeks of all the other plans, completely free. When you're ready, unlock everything for just Β£1.99/month or Β£9.99/year – a fraction of what other apps charge. Stop overpaying for complicated apps. Get simple, effective training with PaceBox. Terms: https://sites.google.com/view/pacebox/terms-of-service Privacy: https://sites.google.com/view/pacebox/privacy-policy

Screenshots

Virtual Runner UK4 screens
PaceBox4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Virtual Runner UK at none against PaceBox's 2. Virtual Runner UK also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). PaceBox's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. PaceBox sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Virtual Runner UK asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Virtual Runner UK ships an update every 2 months, PaceBox every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences Β· 4 level
Virtual Runner UK versus PaceBox: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVirtual Runner UKPaceBox
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews44.4% of reviewsβ€”
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 5 days β€” better
AdsYesNo β€” better
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
MonetizationAd-supportedβ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPod β€” betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.0 β€” better17.6
Further details β€” not scored
Size14 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVirtual Runner UK ltdBenjamin Purcell

In-app purchases

None

Virtual Runner UK

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

PaceBox

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium7 Days trial$9.991 Year

Questions

Is Virtual Runner UK free?
Virtual Runner UK is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PaceBox free?
PaceBox is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Virtual Runner UK or PaceBox have ads?
Virtual Runner UK shows ads; PaceBox does not.
Which is updated more often, Virtual Runner UK or PaceBox?
Virtual Runner UK ships an update every 2 months, and PaceBox every 5 days. Most recently, Virtual Runner UK was updated on October 2, 2026 and PaceBox on October 14, 2026.

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