Comparison

Running Coach vs Start Running

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

Head to head
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

About

Start Running

Beginner-friendly running plans to improve fitness, strength, and calorie burn. Offers guided workouts for various goals, from introductory runs to 5K training, with progress tracking and health app integration.

Highlights
  • Multi-week training plans
  • Beginner to advanced levels
  • Step-by-step workout guidance
  • Audio coach
  • Workout logging and progress tracking
  • Apple Health integration
Features
Read full description

Start Running without any previous experience required. Get fitter, stronger and burn more calories. Our running app’s workout routines will train you for the next stage in your running journey. Never ran before? Start with our Intro To Running plan. In 4 weeks you’ll be comfortable running without needing to stop. Looking to train for a 5k race? Give the 5K Race Builder plan a go. It’ll have you running 5k in a competitive time. Start Running will give you step by step instructions to guide you through your workout. You’ll know when to walk, jog or run and when to rest so you can steadily improve with minimal risk of injury. Each plan is designed to gradually become more challenging so your body can adapt and grow, without you burning out. Spend under an hour a day, a few times a week. You’ll be fitter, healthier and a much stronger runner! Features - Choose a multi week training plan to suit your fitness level. - Challenger workouts to work your whole body. - Audio coach to guide you through your running workouts. - Log your workouts and keep track of your overall progress. - APPLE HEALTH INTEGRATION: Connect your workouts to Health App to track your daily activity. Legal Disclaimer This app and any information given by it are for educational purposes only. They are not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any fitness program. If you upgrade to a premium Start Running subscription, payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. There is no increase in cost when renewing. Subscriptions can be managed and auto-renewal turned off in Account Settings in iTunes after purchase. Once purchased, the current period cannot be cancelled. Any unused portion of a free trial period is forfeited if you choose to purchase a premium subscription. Find the full terms and conditions at https://www.startfitness.life/start-running-terms.html, and our privacy policy at https://www.startfitness.life/start-running-privacy.html.

Screenshots

Running Coach4 screens
Start Running4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Start Running at 4.4 against Running Coach's 3.5. Start Running also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (24 vs 4). On price, review sentiment, 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. Running Coach sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $11.49 per month and Start Running sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Start Running holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Start Running has 24 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 0% and 0% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Running Coach ships an update every 2 months, Start Running every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Running Coach versus Start Running: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRunning CoachStart Running
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (4 ratings)4.4 (24 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings424 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size99 MB50 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRiafy Technologies Pvt. Ltd.Vigour Group Ltd

Customer experience

Running Coach

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

Start Running

All ratings24 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

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
3 purchases

Start Running

Subscriptions3
  • Start Running Weekly$3.997 Days
  • Premium Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Running Coach free?
Running Coach is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Start Running free?
Start Running is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Running Coach or Start Running?
Start Running is rated higher. Running Coach averages 3.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Start Running averages 4.4 from 24 ratings.
Do Running Coach or Start Running have ads?
Neither Running Coach nor Start Running shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Running Coach or Start Running?
Running Coach ships an update every 2 months, and Start Running every 3 weeks. Most recently, Running Coach was updated on September 30, 2026 and Start Running on October 24, 2026.

Other comparisons