70.2K reviews
Content rating
PEGI 3
Government
10L+
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PEGI 3
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About this app

Start on your Couch to 5K running journey with the Official NHS App, in collaboration with the BBC.

Transform your health with the NHS Couch to 5K, the trusted companion for beginners seeking to kickstart their running journey. Whether you aspire to be a runner, lead healthier habits, boost your energy levels, or simply enhance your wellbeing, this app empowers you every step of the way.

Join millions who have successfully started their running and fitness journey with the renowned Couch to 5K plan. Be guided by expert and celebrity trainers, including renowned comedians, presenters, and Olympic icons, you'll receive tailored motivation and support throughout your run beyond to support your progress.

Key Features:

* Flexible Program: Adapt the plan to your pace, completing it in as little as 9 weeks or at a leisurely pace.
* Countdown Timer: Monitor your progress with a visual and audible timer, empowering you to stay on track.
* Music Integration: Seamlessly blend your preferred music with the app's instructions, ensuring a motivating and enjoyable experience.
* Motivational Cues: Receive timely encouragement and guidance to keep you inspired and focused.
* Progress Tracking: Track your achievements and celebrate milestones as you progress through the runs.
* Community Support: Connect with fellow runners through online forums and in-person Buddy Runs.
* Enhanced Graduation: Celebrate your success with a rewarding graduation experience and access to exclusive Beyond Couch to 5K features.

Start your Couch to 5K journey today with the NHS's official app in collaboration with the BBC. It's the perfect solution for those looking for a new challenge and seeking a supportive and effective way to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Download now and embark on the path to a healthier, more active you!

You've got this!
Start running in collaboration with the BBC
Updated on
6 Nov 2026

Data safety

Safety starts with understanding how developers collect and share your data. Data privacy and security practices may vary based on your use, region and age. The developer provided this information and may update it over time.
  • No data shared with third parties
    Learn more about how developers declare sharing
  • This app may collect these data types
    Personal info, App activity and App info and performance
  • Data is encrypted in transit
  • Data can’t be deleted

Ratings and reviews

69.9K reviews
David Thorne
15 July 2026
Great for new or returning runners, the pacing and guidance really do motivate. lots of extra advice and features too, so this is not all purely about runners. Taken a star off though, if you get a new device then data isn't saved and you have to go through each run you have already completed to get back to the point you were at. Sure you can skip straight to that run but then you have lost your streak and record of dates run
1 person found this review helpful
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Amarghosh Vadakkoot
1 May 2026
Great app. Easy to use interfaces. I really appreciate the graduate runs. One feature request I have is for the ability to backup the data and restore in another phone. I initially chose not to migrate apps during the setup of my new phone. Once I installed the app, I had to rerun W9 runs to unlock the graduate runs; which is fine, but the history is not available on the new phone. It would be great to be able to copy the data over from the old phone. Kudos to the developers and Steve Cram!
11 people found this review helpful
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Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
12 May 2026
Fantastic app, 100% recommend. Getting back into running after my injury felt impossible, but this app has really helped with pacing and having a supportive voice in my ear. Love how it can automatically pause or lower the volume of my music so I can hear the instructor! Although don't beat yourself up if you have to repeat runs. I've been stuck on week 5 for 4 weeks! Going from 8 mins to 20 mins straight is a massive leap and I doubt many can do it first time 😅
10 people found this review helpful
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What's new

Thanks for using Couch to 5K. Here's what's new in this update:

- we're rolling out transcripts for our videos. This is part of our accessibility work
- general updates and optimisations to make the app easier to use
- we've paused Buddy runs while we do some maintenance