Comparison

Run Trainer vs Half Marathon Trainer

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

Head to head
About

Run Trainer

This app serves as a personal running coach and GPS tracker, offering guided training plans for various distances from Couch to 5K to half marathons. It provides audio coaching, detailed performance statistics, and seamless integration with Apple devices.

Highlights
  • Personalized training plans (Couch to 5K, 10K, Half Marathon)
  • Customizable training schedules (MyPlan)
  • Audio coaching with voice cues
  • Integrated music control
  • Free Run mode for untracked runs
  • Accurate GPS tracking with Apple Maps
  • Detailed performance statistics (SpeedMap, pace overview)
  • Apple Watch app for hands-free training
Features
Read full description

Get ready to hit your running goals, maybe even smash them, with Run Trainer, your personal running coach and GPS run tracker. Whether you’re a beginner dreaming of your first 5K with Start to Run (Couch to 5K) or an experienced runner training for a faster 10K or half marathon, our iOS app with Apple Watch support is built to guide you every step of the way. Improve your health, lose weight or simply stay in top shape with our built-in training plans, or build your own in minutes. Why runners choose Run Trainer Personalized training plans for every level - From Couch to 5K for absolute beginners to advanced plans for 10K, 15K and even a half marathon. - With MyPlan, you can easily create custom training schedules, perfect for recovery blocks or specific goals. - Our plans use a clear, effective 3-step approach: Walk, Jog, Run. Smart training with audio coaching - Get clear voice cues during every workout to guide your pace and structure so you stay on rhythm and motivated. - Enjoy your own music from Apple Music, Spotify, Podcasts or other apps. Run Trainer automatically lowers the volume for instructions so you stay focused. - Prefer running freely with tracking? Free Run lets you head out without a plan while still tracking your performance. Accurate GPS tracking & detailed stats - Record your route with live GPS using Apple Maps. - See distance, time, pace and calories at a glance. During and after your run. - Dig into performance details with the unique SpeedMap, showing exactly where you sped up or slowed down and where you can optimize your pace for better results. - Review a clear pace overview (min/km) across all your workouts to monitor progress and set targets. Seamless with your Apple devices - Leave your iPhone in your pocket or in the holder. The Apple Watch app shows live running data on your wrist so you can train hands-free. - Sync your training data effortlessly with our free cloud service and Apple Health for a complete view of your fitness and health metrics. Your progress, always within reach - Your stats sync automatically with your free account. - Never worry about losing progress. Log in and pick up where you left off, even on a new phone or after reinstalling the app. Run Trainer: by runners, for runners We believe in simplicity and effectiveness. Run Trainer is built by runners for runners, delivering an intuitive, motivating coaching experience. See why so many runners have appreciated its clarity and functionality for over 10 years. Try Run Trainer risk-free today. Enjoy a generous free period with access to all features, without automatic subscription renewal. Explore everything first, then decide if you want to become a member. Start your running journey now, improve your fitness and discover your full potential! Note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

About

Half Marathon Trainer

This app provides a structured 12-week training program designed to help users progress from a 10K fitness level to completing a half marathon (21K). It features an audio coach for guidance, motivational elements, and progress tracking with achievements.

Highlights
  • 12-week running program from 10K to 21K
  • Audio coach for walk/run intervals
  • Music integration with audio coach blending
  • GPS and distance tracking
  • Apple Health integration
  • Wins and badge achievements
  • Beginner guidance and FAQs
Features
Read full description

The Ultimate 1/2 Marathon training app: 21K Runner is the easiest and most successful program for training for your first 21K. 21K Runner improves your fitness with an awesome training program. You start with a 10K fitness level, and the running gradually increases to a full 21K. Just plug in your headphones, play your favorites music, and the app will guide you. Motivation is the key factor in long distance running, and 21K Runner keeps you motivated - it's the true magic of this app, and it's built into every screen. The running plan is achievable and enjoyable, the app keeps a log of your runs & achievements and awards you with badges, and you can also share your progress with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or by mail. It even includes the motivational quotes to keep your spirit in tune with your body. This app keeps people running. Built by pros and with proven success, this is the ULTIMATE half marathon training app. ----- FEATURE LIST ----- 12 WEEK RUNNING PROGRAM ● from 10K to 21K ● alternating walks and runs ● starts easy and slowly increases the runs ● audio coach tells you when to walk / run ● works with the screen locked (dark) ● repeat workouts whenever you want ● audio Coach can be voice, beeps, or both ● continue 21K running forever MUSIC / INDOOR-OUTDOOR ● listen to your music during exercises ● audio coach gently blends in when needed ● on-screen controls for Apple music app ● great with all music apps ● works outdoors / indoors / treadmill GPS & APPLE HEALTH ● Built in GPS & Distance Tracking, also when app is in background ● Integrated with Apple Health for Calorie calculation & saving workouts WINS / ACHIEVEMENTS ● each completed run is a Win ● receive Badges for your progress ● app tracks & logs each time you do a new run ● wins screen shows your history & Badges ● share Wins / Badges with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, email AND THERE'S MORE ● guidance & information for beginners. ● extensive answers to all common questions. ● links to stretching & warmup videos. ● works outdoors / indoors / treadmill ● works perfectly even if your device is locked ● works perfectly also in background ● male & female audio coaches ● flips upside down to fit any armband ● and there is more... ====== NEWS COVERAGE & REVIEWS ====== Our apps have been featured on CNN, Fox, USA Today, Times, Fitness Channel, AppAdvice, AppCraver, Best10Apps, Appolicious, AppOfTheDay, Apple's "New & Noteworthy" MakeUseOf, the iPhone App Review, Remix Your Health, AppShopper, Daily Motion, and so many others… "If you thought that you could never run - get ready for a BIG surprise. With this app - you will run" "Its a great App, I was hooked by the second run, and it kept me running" "One of the best iPhone running apps I’ve tested."  "This application is a must-have fitness trainer for anyone trying to catch the running bug or getting ready for a major running event" ● Privacy Policy & Terms Of Use: https://www.fitness22.com/privacy-policy https://www.fitness22.com/premiumsubscriptionterms ● In App Purchases: This App Offers In App Purchases Titled "Premium Upgrade" • Premium Upgrade: includes full training plans and exercises, as well as plan updates • The upgrade is either a 6 Month subscription, or a lifetime one time upgrade. • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period • Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal • Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable ----- CONTACT US ----- Dear customers, we are here for you! support@fitness22.com

Screenshots

Run Trainer4 screens
Half Marathon Trainer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Half Marathon Trainer at 4.8 against Run Trainer's 4.4. Half Marathon Trainer also leads on ratings volume (1.7K vs 199) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 17.6). Run Trainer's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). 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. Run Trainer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Half Marathon Trainer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 6 months. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Half Marathon Trainer holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Half Marathon Trainer has 1.7K ratings behind it against 199, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Run Trainer's written reviews are positive against 58% of Half Marathon Trainer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, Half Marathon Trainer every 5 months. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Run Trainer versus Half Marathon Trainer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRun TrainerHalf Marathon Trainer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (199 ratings)4.8 (1.7K ratings) — better
Positive reviews52.9% of reviews57.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1991.7K — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.69.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size125 MB101 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRun Trainer B.V.FITNESS22 LTD

Customer experience

Run Trainer

All ratings198 ratings
Positive86.9%
Neutral3.0%
Negative10.1%
Written reviews121 reviews
Positive52.9%
Neutral9.1%
Negative38.0%

Half Marathon Trainer

All ratings1,678 ratings
Positive94.9%
Neutral1.9%
Negative3.2%
Written reviews217 reviews
Positive57.6%
Neutral10.6%
Negative31.8%

User reviews

Run Trainer

From 199 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Excellent for beginner runners
  • 🎯 Effective interval training structure
  • 🎵 Works with music in background
  • 📊 Good progress tracking and statistics
  • ⚡ Simple and easy to use interface

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent app crashes and glitches
  • 🔐 Difficult to cancel subscriptions
  • 💰 Misleading free trial/freemium model
  • 📱 Login issues and authentication problems
  • 🌐 WiFi-only connectivity requirement

Half Marathon Trainer

From 1.7K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Easy to follow training plan
  • 👍 Effective for building up to half marathon
  • 👍 Variety of workouts (running, intervals, strength)
  • 👍 Motivating and keeps user on track
  • 👍 Works well with music playback

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Inconsistent audio prompts and notifications
  • 🐛 Frequent issues with saving/tracking runs
  • 🐛 Glitches and crashes
  • 🔒 Lack of Apple Watch integration
  • 👎 Less features and guidance compared to 5K/10K apps

Bugs and requests

Run Trainer

Reported bugs

14 issues
  • App crashes mid-run and loses recording
  • Pausing workout causes progress restart
  • Login freezes and authentication failures
  • Sign-up form stuck on DOB slider
  • App won't open or keeps crashing
Show 9 more
  • Cellular connectivity not working
  • GPS not recording distance accurately
  • Voice command timing off by seconds
  • Text overlapping and display corruption
  • Music playlist won't save between runs
  • App logs out unexpectedly
  • Marathon pack programs inaccessible
  • Interface buttons showing incorrect text
  • Non-English content in settings

Requested features

10 requests
  • Apple Watch standalone functionality without phone
  • Integration with Fitbit and MyFitnessPal
  • Integration with native Fitness app
  • Weight loss tracking integration
  • Treadmill mode improvements
Show 5 more
  • More detailed feature documentation
  • Voice-only coaching option
  • Continued distance tracking after workout completion
  • Better music playlist management
  • Indoor running options

Half Marathon Trainer

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Runs not consistently saving
  • App freezing and crashing
  • Inaccurate distance/time tracking

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add more audio/visual cues and encouragement during runs
  • Improve run tracking and data logging
  • Integrate with Apple Watch
  • Provide more training guidance (pace, distance, etc.)
  • Allow manual entry of treadmill runs

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Run Trainer

Subscriptions3
  • All features per month1 Month trial$5.991 Month
  • All features per 3 months3 Months trial$15.493 Months
  • All features per month year1 Year trial$43.991 Year
2 purchases

Half Marathon Trainer

Subscriptions1
  • Premium Subscription$7.996 Months
One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$14.99

Questions

Is Run Trainer free?
Run Trainer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Half Marathon Trainer free?
Half Marathon Trainer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Run Trainer or Half Marathon Trainer?
Half Marathon Trainer is rated higher. Run Trainer averages 4.4 out of 5 from 199 ratings, while Half Marathon Trainer averages 4.8 from 1.7K ratings.
Do Run Trainer or Half Marathon Trainer have ads?
Neither Run Trainer nor Half Marathon Trainer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Run Trainer or Half Marathon Trainer?
Run Trainer ships an update monthly, and Half Marathon Trainer every 5 months. Most recently, Run Trainer was updated on November 6, 2026 and Half Marathon Trainer on November 6, 2026.

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