70.2K reviews
Content rating
PEGI 3
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1M+
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Content rating
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
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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A Google user
19 May 2019
Love the app, as it is helping get me up off my fat arse, but there is a major niggle that spoils the experience. The first few times the voice kicks in over my music (Galaxy S9 Music Player), the music volume is lowered to hear the instructions, but the majority of the time, the music volume stays up, meaning I'm struggling to hear the voice. If I try to turn the music down, it also turns the voice down. Very frustrating, as I am having to turn my music off altogether.
5 people found this review helpful
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Matthew Sparks
9 February 2021
Such a great and supportive app. There are just a few minor things that need changing, such as in the third week the cool down finishes two minutes too early. In addition, there are some oddities in volume in the first weeks where it doesn't drop during dialogue, or at the mid bell it drops at the wrong time. But, otherwise, it is brilliant.
5 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