# Marathon Training vs The Run Experience

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Marathon Training | The Run Experience |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (242 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marathon-training-42k-runner/id979048654/reviews)** | [4.8 (542 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-run-experience/id1189131975/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 242 | **542** |
| Positive reviews | 48.3% of reviews | **82.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 100 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [FITNESS22 LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/383171664) | [The Run Experience](https://appshunter.io/developer/1189131974) |

## What reviewers say

### Marathon Training

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marathon-training-42k-runner/id979048654)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Subscription | $7.99 | per 6 months |
| Lifetime Premium | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- Runs not saving
- App stops recording
- App timer gets stuck
- Program jumps to end
- Voice prompts incorrect

**Requested features**

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


### The Run Experience

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-run-experience/id1189131975)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TRE Training Club (Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| Running Training Club (Annual) | $119.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes during workouts
- Inability to pause/resume workouts
- Inconsistent tracking of runs

**Requested features**

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


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*