Best Running Apps For Beginners

4.8😊(5.2K ratings)

FreeIn-App Purchases

None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10K screenshot 1

None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10K screenshot 2

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This app offers structured training plans designed for absolute beginners to build a sustainable running habit. It provides gradual progression, audio cues, and strength routines to help users start running safely and consistently, even if they've never run before.

What We Love

🚀 Gradual and achievable program
👍 Supportive and welcoming community
🚀 Seamless integration with Apple Watch and music
👍 Excellent customer service and support
🚀 Customizable and flexible program
👍 Comprehensive training plans (None to Run, 5K, 10K)
🚀 Detailed workout tracking and statistics

Room to Improve

🐛 Occasional syncing issues between phone and watch
🐛 Distance tracking inaccuracies on treadmill
🐛 App crashes or bugs after recent updates

Nike Run Club: Running Coach by Nike, Inc

Workout App & Distance Tracker

Strong Contender

4.8😊(420K ratings)

FreeAds

#47in Health & Fitness

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This app offers guided runs, training plans, and community challenges to help users start, continue, and enjoy running. It tracks speed, distance, and GPS routes, providing motivation and expert guidance for various fitness levels and goals.

What We Love

🚀 Excellent coaching and guided runs
👍 Motivating and encouraging
📊 Comprehensive tracking and analytics
🎨 Customizable run colors and levels
🤝 Supportive community and challenges

Room to Improve

🐛 Sync and connectivity issues
🤔 Confusing or unintuitive features
🔍 Inaccurate distance and pace tracking
🔧 Buggy updates and crashes
🙄 Repetitive and scripted audio

Runna: Running Plans & Coach by Strava, Inc.

5k to Marathon Training

Worth Considering

Running Slimkit - Lose Weight

4.8😊(35K ratings)

FreeIn-App Purchases

#17in Health & Fitness

Runna: Running Plans & Coach screenshot 1

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This app offers personalized running training plans for all levels, from beginner 5k to marathon and ultra-marathon distances. It includes strength training, nutrition advice, and community support, with seamless integration for tracking your runs.

What We Love

🚀 Excellent training plans
👍 Personalized and customizable
👍 Variety of workouts
👍 Seamless integration with fitness trackers
👍 Helpful audio cues during runs
👍 Detailed performance tracking
👍 Structured approach to running and strength training
👍 Responsive and supportive customer service

Room to Improve

🐛 Occasional syncing issues with Apple Watch
🐛 Inaccurate pace tracking on treadmill
🔋 Expensive subscription cost
🔒 Lack of flexibility to modify workouts

More Running Apps For Beginners apps to explore

Distance Tracker and Fitness

Weight loss running plansInterval training workoutsHealthy meal plans

This app offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss through running and nutrition. It provides personalized training plans with interval workouts and balanced meal plans, along with features to track progress and stay motivated.

Track & share with friends

(87K)

freemium

Strava: Run, Bike, Walk

Record 50+ sport typesStrength training trackingAI-powered workout insights

This app tracks over 50 sport types, including runs, bikes, and strength training, offering AI-powered insights and route discovery. It fosters a supportive community for users of all fitness levels and prioritizes safety with real-time location sharing.

(380K)

Scientific pace calculators

Running Writings Lab

$9.99

This app offers ten scientific running calculators for race pace, physiological thresholds, and environmental adjustments like hills, heat, and wind. It provides tools for serious runners to plan training and optimize race performance, all built on published research.

Race pace and split calculatorsPhysiological threshold calculationsGrade-adjusted pace for hills

⚽ Sports

(1)

paid

Runked: Running Rank & Plans

5K, 10K & Marathon Training

Personalized running rankAdaptive training plansRace time predictions

This app analyzes your running history to give you a personalized rank, from Bronze to Olympian. It offers adaptive training plans for various race goals and predicts your race times. Track your fitness trends, build streaks, and earn rewards as you climb the ranks.

Training Built on How you Move

Personalized workout plansRunner Readiness AssessmentRunning Gait analysis

This app provides personalized training plans for endurance athletes, focusing on individual strength and ability to improve efficiency and reduce injury risk. It integrates training and strength programs with video guides and tracks training load to monitor workload ratios.

5K to Marathon Training Plans

(10)

free

Miles: AI Running Coach

Adaptive training plans for various distancesReal-time GPS pace tracking with audio cuesDetailed post-run analysis and insights

This AI-powered running coach creates personalized training plans from 5K to marathon distances. It provides real-time audio cues for pace guidance and detailed post-run analysis to help you improve. The app adapts to your fitness level and recovery needs, ensuring smarter and safer training.

(7)

ASICS Runkeeper—Run Tracker

Running App and Training Plans

GPS activity trackingPersonalized training plansAudio-guided workouts

Track your runs, set personalized goals, and follow guided workouts to improve your fitness. This app offers GPS tracking for various activities, progress monitoring, and motivational features to help you achieve your running ambitions.

(381K)

5K to marathon training plans

Runsy: AI Running Coach

AI-powered personalized training plansAdaptive scheduling for life eventsVoice-guided coaching and adjustments

An AI running coach that creates personalized training plans based on your goals and schedule. It adapts to life's disruptions, offering voice-guided adjustments and progress tracking. Integrates with Apple Health and popular wearables.

Start Running For Beginners

(1)

freemium

Couch to 5K - for weight loss

Personal running coachCouch to 5K training planDetailed training statistics

This app guides beginners through a structured running program to build endurance and achieve fitness goals. It offers personalized coaching, progress tracking, and custom workouts, focusing on increasing jogging time without initial emphasis on pace or distance.

(2.1K)

Runapt: Running Coach

Adaptive Plans & Routes

Running Trainer: Tracker&Coach

(0)

Run Coach: 5K & 10K Runner

Accurate distance and time trackingPace and calorie trackingGPS mapping and route tracking

This app provides accurate running tracking, including pace, distance, calories, and heart rate. It offers voice feedback, music integration, and a history of your running activities to help you improve.

adidas Running: Run tracker

(114K)

subscription

From Walk to Marathon training

Activity tracking for running, walking, cycling, and morePersonalized training plans for various distancesSyncs with Health Connect and popular devices

Track your runs and fitness activities with personalized training plans for all levels. Connect with a global community, join challenges, and monitor your progress with detailed stats and expert guidance.

Ghostr: Running Competition

(109K)

ad-supported

Run Tracking & Racing

Race against virtual ghostsCompete with friends and global runnersLeague-based competition

Transform your runs into races against virtual opponents. Compete against your past performances, friends, or global runners in real-time. Track your progress, climb leagues, and improve your Ghostr Score with live feedback.

Waddle: Beginner Running Coach

(1)

subscription

Gentle First 5K Training Plans

Guided run/walk intervalsGPS outdoor activity trackingAdaptive training plans

This app offers gentle running plans for beginners, featuring guided intervals and GPS tracking. It adapts to your pace and allows adjustments, with a friendly goose mascot to motivate you. Build a consistent movement habit towards your fitness goals without pressure.

by Stiley Lifestyle Pty Ltd

Running tools, pace & training

📚 Education

(0)

Morning Glory Running

Find nearby races, runs, parks, and trailsRunning pace calculator for pace, splits, and finish timesBuild long runs safely

This running app provides practical tools for training smarter, from finding local races and trails to calculating pace and planning weekly mileage. It's designed for runners of all levels seeking structure without complex plans or social pressure.

Beginner to Marathon Plans

Personalized adaptive training plansReal-time progress trackingExpert coaching and support

This app provides science-backed, personalized training plans for runners of all levels, from beginners to marathoners. It offers expert coaching, real-time progress tracking, and integrates with popular wearables. Users can also join a large community for in-person training events and support.