Comparison

Marathon Training vs The Run Experience

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

Head to head
About

Marathon Training

This app provides a structured 18-week training program to help users prepare for their first marathon. It offers audio coaching for walk/run intervals, music integration, and motivational features like badges and progress sharing. The program gradually increases running distance from 21K to 42K.

Highlights
  • 18-week marathon training program
  • Audio coach for walk/run intervals
  • Music integration with other apps
  • GPS tracking and run logging
  • Badges and achievement system
  • Progress sharing on social media
Read full description

The Ultimate Marathon training app: 42K Runner is the easiest and most successful program for training for your first full marathon. 42K Runner improves your fitness with a professionally designed training program. You start with a 21K fitness level, and the running gradually increases to a full 42K. 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 42K 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 also awards you with badges. You can easily share all your progress with friends on Facebook, Twitter, or by mail. It even includes 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 marathon training app. ----- FEATURE LIST ----- 18 WEEK RUNNING PROGRAM ● from 21K to 42K ● alternating walks, runs and faster 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 MUSIC / GPS / 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 with any GPS app (like Nike+ GPS) ● works outdoors / indoors / treadmill NOTE: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. 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, or by email AND THERE'S MORE ● guidance & information ● extensive answers to common questions ● links to stretching & warmup videos ● works outdoors / indoors / treadmill ● works perfectly even when your device is locked ● works perfectly in the background ● male & female audio coaches ● flips upside down to fit any armband ● and there is more... Supported Devices: ● iPhone & iPod touch ● iPad - use on a treadmill ====== NEWS COVERAGE & REVIEWS ====== 5K / 10K Runner 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" "If you want to start running and to keep running - this app will do it for you" "One of the best iPhone running apps I’ve tested."  ● 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

About

The Run Experience

This app offers daily audio runs, training videos, and structured programs for various running goals. It includes injury prevention routines, strength training, and a community forum to connect with coaches and other runners. Track your progress and stay motivated on your running journey.

Highlights
  • Daily audio runs
  • Training challenges
  • Weekly training videos
  • Injured runner program
  • Interactive running programs
  • GPS run tracker
  • Community forum
Read full description

Build a new healthy running habit, improve your body, conquer your next challenge, and even train for your next race with The Daily Run by The Run Experience! As featured in Runner’s World, Competitor Magazine, Triathlete Magazine, Strava, Men’s Health, 60 Minute Sports, Outside Magazine, Ragnar Relay Series, and Active. APP FEATURES & BENEFITS: - NEW Daily Run workouts featuring a 10 min audio run and a video warmup and cool down to build strength and range of motion. - MONTHLY training challenges on strength, form, nutrition, and speed. Earn prizes & badges! - WEEKLY Training Videos with full workouts, racing tips, and training advice. - Stay healthy & get back to running faster with the Injured Runner Program. - Easily search workouts based on time, fitness goal, and equipment needed. - Interactive programs for Beginner, 5k, Half Marathon, and Marathon. - Indoor workouts and exercises to build your fitness at home. - GPS tracker for all your runs. - Talk directly to coaches and connect with runners in our community. - Integrates with Apple Health to keep track of your progress. NEW DAILY AUDIO RUNS New daily audio runs alternate between form, breathing, speed, mystery, and motivation. Each day is new and different, keeping it fun while making you a better, fitter runner. Or choose the alternate strength and yoga workouts for the days you don’t want to or cannot run. TRAIN FOR ANY RACE OR GOAL If you have a goal or race in mind, we have structured progressive programs for you to follow. All programs include specific run workouts and directions, strength exercises and warmups, and access to coaching to keep you on track! Or join one of our live training challenges in The Daily Run, earn prizes, and become part of our community! STAY HEALTHY WITH STRENGTH & INJURY PREVENTION TRAINING 90% of overuse injuries that runners experience are preventable and self-treatable by building a stronger body with improved range of motion and mechanics. The Injured Runner Program walks you through the exact self-care routine you should follow for your injury or pain point. At The Run Experience, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best training available, and we have helped hundreds of thousands of runners all over the world. Now you can finally get all that training in your pocket. A premium subscription or a free trial is required in order to access the content of this app. —————— Learn more about our terms of service at https://api.ongo.app/tos or privacy policy at https://api.ongo.app/privacy

Screenshots

Marathon Training4 screens
The Run Experience4 screens

Verdict

The call

Marathon Training and The Run Experience both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 83% of The Run Experience's written reviews are positive against 48% of Marathon Training's. The Run Experience also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 7 months). Marathon Training's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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. Marathon Training sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 6 months and The Run Experience sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Marathon Training against 4.8 for The Run Experience. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 242 and 542 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 48% of Marathon Training's written reviews are positive against 83% of The Run Experience's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Marathon Training ships an update every 7 months, The Run Experience every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Marathon Training versus The Run Experience: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMarathon TrainingThe Run Experience
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (242 ratings) — better4.8 (542 ratings)
Positive reviews48.3% of reviews82.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings242542 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS9.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size100 MB119 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperFITNESS22 LTDThe Run Experience

Customer experience

Marathon Training

All ratings241 ratings
Positive94.6%
Neutral2.1%
Negative3.3%
Written reviews29 reviews
Positive48.3%
Neutral10.3%
Negative41.4%

The Run Experience

All ratings538 ratings
Positive94.2%
Neutral1.5%
Negative4.3%
Written reviews152 reviews
Positive82.9%
Neutral3.3%
Negative13.8%

User reviews

Marathon Training

From 242 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to follow plan
  • 👍 Great for motivation
  • 👍 Effective training progression
  • 👍 Good for beginners
  • 👍 Motivates users to run

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Stops recording runs
  • 🐛 Runs disappear after completion
  • 🐛 Yearly charges with no explanation
  • 🐛 App won't talk to issue commands
  • 🐛 Minimal functionality

The Run Experience

From 542 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Helpful training programs
  • 🚀 Comprehensive resources
  • 💡 Knowledgeable coaches
  • 👍 Supportive community
  • 👍 Effective for improving running

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Buggy app performance
  • 💰 Expensive subscription
  • 🔒 Privacy concerns
  • 👎 Poor customer service
  • 👎 Difficult to navigate

Bugs and requests

Marathon Training

Reported bugs

7 issues
  • Runs not saving
  • App stops recording
  • App timer gets stuck
  • Program jumps to end
  • Voice prompts incorrect
Show 2 more
  • No walking intervals
  • Poor distance measurement

Requested features

5 requests
  • Apple Watch support
  • Link plan to calendar
  • Desired finish time input
  • Specify running pace
  • Triathlon training app

The Run Experience

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes during workouts
  • Inability to pause/resume workouts
  • Inconsistent tracking of runs

Requested features

4 requests
  • Integrate with fitness trackers
  • Offer more free content
  • Improve app stability and usability
  • Provide senior/military discounts

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Marathon Training

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

The Run Experience

Subscriptions2
  • TRE Training Club (Monthly)7 Days trial$19.991 Month
  • Running Training Club (Annual)7 Days trial$119.991 Year

Questions

Is Marathon Training free?
Marathon Training is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is The Run Experience free?
The Run Experience is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Marathon Training or The Run Experience?
Marathon Training is rated higher. Marathon Training averages 4.8 out of 5 from 242 ratings, while The Run Experience averages 4.8 from 542 ratings.
Do Marathon Training or The Run Experience have ads?
Neither Marathon Training nor The Run Experience shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Marathon Training or The Run Experience?
Marathon Training ships an update every 7 months, and The Run Experience every 6 weeks. Most recently, Marathon Training was updated on October 24, 2026 and The Run Experience on October 24, 2026.

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