13 Best Running Apps for Beginners (2024)

Want to get into running? Then you’re in luck! Below we’ve listed all of the best running apps for beginners that you need to try out.

If you need help knowing where to start or you want some inspiration to get out there in the first place, there are tons of brilliant running apps for beginners out there.

Whether you want to get a little fitter or if you have a more specific goal in mind, like competing in a local 5k race or running a half marathon, we can guarantee that there’s an app on this list that can help turn that goal into a reality.

What are you waiting for? Check out our list below and try them out for yourself!

But before we get started, have you ever considered taking your fitness journey to the next level? Working in the fitness industry can be really rewarding and enjoyable, too. 

Enquire online for OriGym's Level 3 PT Diploma or download our free course prospectus and kick-start an exciting new career path.

Best Running Apps for Beginners (UK)

#1 Couch to 5k

Apple Rating: 4.8 stars

First up for the top running apps for beginners is the NHS approved Couch to 5K.

The clues in the name - this app will help you get off the couch and well on your way to running 5k. 

If you want to get in better shape but you’re stuck on knowing where to start, we’re here to tell you that the first thing you need to do is download Couch to 5k.

On this running for beginners app, you’ll find an easy to follow programme which lasts just over 9 weeks - if you prefer, you can always take a little longer. Although Couch to 5k is a ‘programme’ you can still completely do this at your own pace.

If you do choose to follow the programme exactly, you’ll do three 30 minute bursts of exercise each week, this covers walking, running, and resting. As the weeks go on, the programme builds up so that you do more and more exercise and the amount of rest time decreases. 

The app also includes plenty of support and motivation to get you through, with audio updates for instructions and words of encouragement, as well as a timer to show you how far into your workout you are. 

But don't worry, the app is compatible with music apps (is there anything worse than an app that stops your music from playing?) so you can still listen to your own playlists and the audio updates will play over the top of your favourite songs.

Overall, this app is a really good way to get into running. 

Even if you're an absolute beginner, used to leading a pretty inactive lifestyle, and never been on a run in your life, you can change all of that in just over 9 weeks with the help of Couch to 5k.

#2 Aidlab

Apple Rating: 4.7 stars 

If getting motivated is your main priority, then you should know that Aidlab is one of the best running coach apps for beginners.

A lot of people work well when they see valuable data that gives them something to work towards, which makes this target-setting app a brilliant way to get started on your fitness journey.

This app is brilliant because it allows you to set workout goals, then tracks your progress through seamless data collection. Simply strap the Aidlab chest band on, connect it through the app, and your biosignals will start appearing.

The app will then help you stay motivated to reach those goals by giving you all day activity tracking. Aidlab recognises places and records your activity to illustrate your day, week, or month. So you know if you’ve smashed a new PB or giving you some extra encouragement is you slip below your usual standards.

#3 Pacer

Apple Rating: 4.9 stars 

If you’re new to running then finding a workout buddy is one of the best ways to boost your commitment and keep you motivated. 

Unfortunately, finding a friend to join you on a new fitness journey isn’t always as easy as you’d like. So, what then? Fortunately, you’ve found this blog post.

If you don’t have a running buddy, don’t sweat it, the Pacer app can take that place - and no offence to any of our friends, but it’s a lot more useful!

This app acts as your running buddy and a health coach all in one, it can set tons of fun challenges but also tracks key data, such as your pace per mile or how your weight loss journey correlates to how.

One of our favourite things is that it connects you with hundreds of real-life runners within the pacer community. In that community, there’s an endless number of other runners with similar goals who share their support and act as a real source of motivation.

If you are lucky enough to have a group of friends that are also getting involved with your new fitness regime, then there’s a really fun feature on this app that allows you to create walking groups in which you can compare your daily steps with those of your friends and family.

#4 Zombies, Run!

Apple Rating: 4.8 stars

There was no way we could answer ‘what are the best running apps for beginners’ without talking about this one.

If you’re after an app that gives you an incentive to pick up the pace, you can’t get better than Zombies, Run!

As well as having an 8 week programme similar to that of Couch to 5k, this app has a unique story line based on running from zombies and collecting survival supplies. 

All you have to do is put your headphones on and then the app will give you audio instructions on when to walk, jog, run, and do your stretches. 

But honestly, the instructions aren’t entirely necessary because once you hear the zombies getting closer to you instinct kicks in and you’ll be beating your PB pace without even realising it.

For us, this one had to make our list purely because it’s so creative and completely different to any of the others that we tried out. 

A lot of people find cardio very monotonous, especially if you’re restricted to boring routes or running in the gym. If this is you, then Zombies, run! is a game changer.

It’s definitely one of the best running apps for beginners for treadmill workouts as we know from experience that these can get really repetitive.

Not only is this a good programme to get you started, it’s really entertaining, too. Plus, in the event that a zombie apocalypse does actually happen you’ll be well prepared. 

#5 Map My Run

Apple Rating: 4.7 stars

Next up is Map My Run, one of the best running apps for beginners who want to workout but don’t know where to start with finding a good route.

Using the routes feature, you can find new running routes near you, plus you can save your favourite paths or add in a route of your own to share with others.

The app pairs up with most wearable fitness trackers, and if you’re really investing in this new hobby, you can even sync the app with a pair of Under Armour connected shoes. 

This would allow you to access premium features, such as tracking your mileage more accurately and getting notified when you need a new pair of trainers or to switch something up to avoid injury.

The main purpose of the app is to make running easier for you, so it collects the right data to help you get better and gives you visual, haptic, and audio updates on your progress to give you that push when you need it most.

By downloading this free app you’ll be able to join Under Armour's community of runners which is made up of more than 60 million people worldwide. 

All of those people are working towards their very own health and fitness goals just like you, so if you’re yet to find a running buddy then this app can make up for that!

By upgrading to the apps premium version, you can receive a full training plan which is personal to you. That comes complete with a schedule and specific coaching tips depending on what your goals are.

Although we’d say the premium upgrade makes this one of the best running coach apps for beginners, you can get some pretty similar features from some of the free apps that we’ve listed. 

For that reason, keep reading and check out some of the others in this list before you put your hand in your pocket.

#6 Strava

Apple Rating: 4.8 stars

Seeing as this is one of the most highly rated and probably the most popular apps on this list, we can definielty say that Strava is up there as maybe the best running for beginners app there is. 

It allows you to track your fitness journey by recording your runs and mapping your routes with in-depth GPS tracking.

So although it’s typically thought to be an app for more advanced runners, it’s still really useful for beginners.

One feature that is unique to this app is their ‘segments feature’, where you can compare your stats to other runners on similar routes. We can all benefit from a bit of healthy competition so this is a brilliant way to get motivated. 

But, for us the best part of this app is that premium users of ‘Strava Summit’ get access to improved safety features via Beacon. Beacon allows you to designate 3 contacts who can access your location information whilst you’re out on a run.

If you run alone or on potentially dangerous routes, having access to Beacon can provide reassurance that if anything were to happen, your closest friends or family would be able to find you.

#7 Peloton Digital

Apple Rating: 4.1 stars

If you aren’t already aware, Peloton is one of the biggest names in the fitness world, specialising in everything from running and cycling, to strength training and yoga.

You can use this app to get in contact with real certified coaches who share their advice on all things nutrition, injuries, and exercising.

This app allows you to follow running workouts created by the Peloton instructors, and if you’re running outdoors, it’s like having a running buddy and hype man all rolled into one.

Find thousands of classes, expert-level instructors, and specially curated music all ready to go, with no equipment needed. It’s important to not that while not every run has sprint sections, all runs have pace changes. 

Some instructors are chattier than others, or ask you to do alternate exercises throughout your run, such as high knees, but every workout has engaging, motivating playlists and high energy levels.

If you’re training for a specific event, don’t worry - Peloton’s running app has programs for specific distances and styles of running, such as marathon training, interval training, and fast runs.

So, whether you want to get a little fitter or you have a specific goal such as improving your pace, downloading Peloton Digital is a great place to start.

#8 Runcoach

Apple Rating: 3.3 stars

If the name hasn’t already given it away, Runcoach is up there with the best running coach apps for beginners.

You can use this app to get in contact with real certified coaches who share their advice on all things nutrition, injuries, and exercising. 

The app allows you to create a customised workout schedule which considers your current fitness level and allows you to input your free time so that the plan fits around work and any other commitments that you might have.

Once your fitness starts to improve, you can update your training plan to account for that. Or if for whatever reason you skip a workout one day, you can input that into the app and tweak your schedule to make up for it.

Not convinced that Runcoach is one of the best running apps for beginners? Well, the stats speak for themselves.

According to the brains behind Runcoach, 25% of all of their users reach a higher level of fitness within six months of starting to use the app. They also claim that on average, their users improve their race time by 7%.

So, whether you want to get a little fitter or you have a specific goal such as improving your pace, downloading Runcoach is a good place to start.

#9 RunGo

Apple Rating: 4.7 stars

RunGo is another one of the best free running apps for beginners, but what’s the best thing about it?

For us, this is the best app out there for finding routes to run. 

The app takes all the stress out of finding a new route or worrying about getting lost, giving you turn by turn voice directions so that you can enjoy your run without having to think about where you’re going.

Whether you’re looking for a new route or you’re in a new area and not really sure where to get started, then all you need to do is open up this app and select one of the thousands of routes available.

If you have a job which involves travelling a lot, then this is definitely the best beginners running app to download. It will allow you to commit to your new running hobby even when you’re away from home.

Plus, you don’t need to download a seperate app to track your stats, because RunGo also keeps a record of your time, space, distance, and elevation.

#10 ROAD iD

Apple Rating: 3.8 stars

This ones slightly different to the other apps in the list, and even though it’s not exactly a running for beginners app, it’s still a good one to download.

ROAD iD was designed specifically to keep people safe when they’re out and about. 

The app lets your friends and family track your whereabouts and it sends SOS notifications to your designated contacts if it tracks that you’ve stopped moving and you don’t respond to the alert prompt  on the app.

You can also create a customised lock screen which shows details of up to 3 emergency contacts and important information about yourself, like your name and hometown, plus any important health information such as any medical conditions, allergies, and your blood type.

Obviously it’s made our list for being one of the best running apps for beginners, but you can also use it when you’re out cycling, walking your dog, or it’s a good idea to download it onto your child's phone in case of emergency.  

This app won't teach you how to run or give you any real motivation, but it’s still a must have! If there’s only one thing that you take from reading here let it be to download this app alongside any of the others in our list.

#11 Runkeeper

Apple Rating: 4.8 stars

Runkeeper is another one of our favourite free running apps for beginners that you can download in the UK. Specifically, it’s really handy for goal-setting and GPS tracking.

Whether your goal is to get fitter, faster, or to be able to run further, this app will help you to reach those targets and it will allow you to measure your progress throughout. 

The audio isn’t quite as advanced as some of the other free running apps for beginners in this list, but you can still choose the stats that you want to hear whilst you're running. That could be updates on your pace, distance, or the time that you’ve been running for. 

One thing to make up for the lack of advanced tech that’s gone into creating this app, is that this is one of the best running apps that work offline. So if you don’t have data or access to free wifi, you can still use the app and upload your data once you’ve got a connection.

In their own words ‘routines lead to progress’ - and we agree! That’s why their app is designed so that you can create a plan that you’ll stick to. 

Getting into your running gear and out of the house is one of the biggest challenges that you’ll face when you first start running, but consistency is key and downloading this app will help you to maintain that consistency.

One of the most motivating parts of any exercise journey is progress! Sometimes it can be hard to recognise your own progress when it happens gradually, which is why we love that the Runkeeper app is paired up with their website.

This allows you to see your full statistics and keep an eye on how your progress compares to your goals - keeping you on track and providing an additional boost of motivation.

#12 Nike+ Run Club

Apple Rating: 3.8 stars 

If you’re the type of person who thrives when underpressure and works well in a goal-oriented setting, then Nike+ Run Club is the running app for beginners that you need to download.

That’s because one thing which is unique to this app is the ability to create motivating challenges, for example by setting yourself a target distance to reach over a weekly or monthly period.

What’s even more motivating is that you can share those challenges with your friends, and if they use the app too, you can compare each others progress on the distance leaderboard. 

If you’re looking for a running training plan for beginners app, then Nike+ Run Club is the audio coach that you need. The app comes complete with the capabilities to set up customised training plans based on your personal goal. 

Whether that goal is to get a little fitter or get in good enough shape to run a specific race, this app can produce an effective training plan which adapts to your personal needs. 

#13 Runtastic 

Apple Rating: 4.7 stars 

Seeing as you’re searching something along the lines of ‘what are the best running apps for beginners’, we couldn’t complete our list without talking about Runtastic. 

Runtastic is a brilliant distance tracker, but this app is also so much more than that. 

We found the app really simple to use and navigate, and we loved how easy it is to compare your current stats like pace, distance, and run duration, to your averages. 

This app really makes it as easy as possible to get real time updates on how you weigh up compared to your average run.

Whilst a lot of the other apps in the list pair up with health apps like MyFitnessPal, that’s not necessary in this case. Runtastic acts as a running for beginners weight loss app itself by tracking your calories burned. 

One awesome feature is that the app offers 6 goal-based training plans, based on different exercise outcomes like starting out as a runner, weight loss, or getting ready to race.

However, these training plans are only available as part of the premium membership which will come with a monthly fee.

One thing we will say is that there are a lot of free running apps for beginners with similar capabilities, so it’s understandable if you’re a little reluctant to pay the extra!

Before You Go!

We hope that this helped you find the best running app for beginners to help you to achieve your exercise goals.

So,what are you waiting for? Nobody ever got better at running by reading about it, go ahead and download your favourite app and let us know what you think!

If you’re thinking of kick-starting a new career, then why not consider a job related to your new hobby?

To get a headstart with a career in the fitness industry, why not enquire for our Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma? 

Alternatively, download our fitness course prospectus for more information on the range of courses and qualifications that we offer.