There are countless ways to train for a marathon — from free PDF plans and one-to-one coaching, to marathon training apps like Runna, or simply making it up as you go along. With so much choice, knowing where to start can be difficult, particularly if you’re new to structured training.

Among the many running apps I’ve tested, Runna has consistently stood out. It handles the core running sessions well, but also builds in strength training, Pilates, and mobility work, reflecting a more holistic approach to performance and injury prevention. That balance is a big reason I chose Runna for my own marathon training — and why I’ve continued to use it.

In this Runna app review, I’ll break down what genuinely sets it apart, who it works best for, and who should probably look elsewhere. I’ll also share how to try it free, so you can decide whether it fits your training style.

What is Runna?

Runna is a running training app that builds personalised (to a degree) training plans based on your goals, experience level, availability, and current fitness. When it first launched, it was primarily aimed at runners training for events — from 5K through to marathon, and even 50K ultras.

However, since my first review of the Runna app at the beginning of 2024, the company has significantly expanded its offering. There are now plans for almost everyone. For those new to running, there’s the New to Running Plan — Runna’s version of Couch to 5K (C25K) — a six-to-sixteen-week programme designed to take complete beginners to their first 5K.

For runners returning after injury, illness, or a prolonged break, there’s the Return to Running Plan. Beyond that, the list gets long quickly. Without rattling off every single option, other notable plans include Path to parkrun, Post-injury Recovery, Post-race Recovery, Postnatal, and — for those who enjoy making questionable life choices — ultra training plans that now extend all the way up to 220K multi-stage events.

At its core, Runna combines algorithm-driven planning with optional human coach input. In simple terms, it tells you exactly what to run each day, how hard to run it, and how that session fits into the wider training block.

Unlike generic marathon training plans pulled from the internet, Runna adapts as you go. Sessions can be moved around to accommodate work, illness, or life generally getting in the way, and the app recalculates the plan rather than punishing you with a red “failed workout”. For runners who want structure without having to overthink every session, Runna can be a very compelling option.

Here’s how Runna actually works in practice.

Why I’m Reviewing Runna’s App

When I first decided to sign up to run the marathon distance, Garmin’s Daily Suggested Workouts (DSW) were my go-to training companion. The plans adapt to your performance, and they’re supposed to take into account general health and wellbeing metrics — think sleep, HRV, and so on. I also thought it was cool, as mentioned in my review of the Epix Gen 2, that workouts adapted to meet the demands of the various events in your race calendar. Pretty nifty!

But there were a couple of glaring issues with DSW. The first was that, by definition, they were only available to users of Garmin’s ecosystem. If I wanted to provide recommendations to my readers, I couldn’t go with one that excluded every other device! The next was that, at the time, I was a novice runner — one also recovering from spinal surgery. The idea of daily running was, quite frankly, terrifying. While you can skip workouts and hope the plan adapts as intended, I felt far more comfortable building a plan around a number of days I knew I could commit to. Otherwise, I would end up missing more workouts per week than I could complete, which felt demotivating — as if I was failing — right from the off.

After doing some digging, I came across four or so marathon training apps that could be accessed across a multitude of devices, were beginner-friendly, and didn’t cost the earth.

After meticulously testing these running training apps, one stood out. Runna not only met, but consistently exceeded expectations. Those expectations are detailed below in our in-depth review. I highly recommend reading the full review, but I also totally appreciate that you might be chomping at the bit to give it a go for yourself! If that’s you, you can follow this link to download the Runna app and get a two-week free trial. If you’ve already downloaded the app, please feel free to use our Runna referral code — GRITTY — to redeem those two weeks.

Runna’s Integration with Garmin/Apple/Coros/Suunto

The first non-negotiable for a marathon training plan companion was streamlined, two-way integration with my fitness wearable / running watch. While all the plans I tried worked to some degree with Garmin (or Apple Watch), I found the integration to be largely one way. What I mean by this is, if you’re like me and only run with your watch (and no phone), upon finishing a run the watch will sync with the training app in question, send information about your run (distance, pace, HR and so on) to the app, and mark the activity as complete. No issues there. However, not all apps work the other way. That is, not all apps are programmed to send the specific details of each workout to the watch, nor do they sync with your training calendar.

For long or easy runs where the only considerations are distance and a single pace range, this isn’t a massive issue. But for other situations – speed workouts, intervals, or even long runs with marathon pace packed into the middle or end – it’s essential (at least in my case) the app does the work for me.

Of the apps I tried, Runna excelled in this domain. The screenshots above show, on the left, the scheduled tempo session on Runna. On the right, the same workout in Garmin Connect. Once you’ve linked your watch to Runna (as simple as pressing a button and granting Runna a couple of permissions), workouts automatically appear in your training calendar.

While this might not seem like a big deal, there’s a number of benefits. First, said integration saves a lot of time for those of us who run without our phones. Without this integration, you have to manually create each workout in Garmin Connect (or the respective companion app for your watch). It’s a laborious task, particularly when you’re already pushed for time trying to manage the increased load of a marathon training plan. If you run with your phone, this is likely not an issue. But for me, one of the major benefits, and in fact the overarching reason I purchased a fitness watch, is so that I don’t need to have my phone on me – making said integration an absolute necessity.

Second, without this integration and without dedicating the time to manually create each workout, I’d need to constantly check my watch to see how close I am to the next step of a given workout. With the integration provided by Runna, the watch alerts me (both verbally and via haptics) to tell me it’s time to move onto the next step, to increase or decrease my pace, and, therefore, whether I’m achieving the requirements of the workout. Personally, this makes a significant difference. It means I can be fully present in my runs. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find it completely demotivating to look down at your watch and see you’ve only done 400m of a 1600m interval, all the while feeling like you’re about to keel over. If I’m present in my running, focused only on my form and the road ahead, the miles keep ticking over.

When it comes to two-way integration, Runna was the clear winner. While I’m basing my review on integration with Garmin, it’s important to clarify that Runna integrates with numerous brands. At present, Runna’s app connects to Apple Watch, Garmin, Coros, Fitbit, and Suunto, so they’ve likely got you covered. If you don’t use a watch and run with your phone, you can also connect Runna to Strava and Apple Health to ensure you receive all the kudos and accurate health metrics you could ask for, and it syncs with your calendar so you’ll never miss a workout.

Runna Allows You to Focus on the Miles

This leads, rather nicely, to the second criteria – removing all thought from the training process. Now, naturally, by virtue of them being created for this very purpose, all of the apps removed some, if not all, thought from the training process. I’d be disappointed if they didn’t. Typically, the most input you have in the design of your training plan is the number of days you want to train, the days you’re unable to train, your preferred long-run day, and the target time you’re aiming for if you have one. That’s it. The respective apps then generate a plan for you based on your preferences. Simple.

In testing, I elected to see how the plans would look based on three running days per week with a target time of sub 4 hours (though really, I just want to make the distance!) As a newcomer to the sport, three sessions per week felt like a manageable amount of training – and I could always add in an extra recovery run to up the mileage if it felt necessary. All of the tested apps took similar approaches, suggesting one easy (or recovery) run, one tempo (speed) session, and one long-run per week. It’s important to note here, that I selected the novice/intermediate plans. If you select a more advanced plan, the apps will dedicate sessions to things like hill training too.

This approach to training seems really simple, and you may question whether you really need to pay someone to tell you to run slowly, quickly, and far each week. I mean, it’s pretty basic, right? This was a thought I certainly had when first testing each app, but with Runna, something else really stuck out, another essential requirement, if you will.

Runna’s Focus On Injury Prevention

In my view, one of the most important aspects of Runna’s training platform, and something that sets them apart from the competition, is the team behind it. Not only is the team comprised of professional running coaches with years of experience, there’s also a number of Team GB olympians (Steph Davis, for example, Team GB’s fastest marathon runner at Tokyo 2020), and, crucially, a number of physiotherapists. Not only does this imbue confidence in the ability of the training plans to help achieve your goals, it also provides reassurance that the plans are built with injury prevention in mind.

Before starting the plan with Runna, I had little doubt that if I were to invest some time reading about the theory of running and how best to structure a plan, I could create something that would likely get me through 26.2. And, to an extent, I still think that’s true. The thing is, my own plan would likely get me through a single marathon. At best, I’d complete the distance and, if lucky, come out the other side with a few niggles. The more likely and worst case scenario, is that I’d injure myself in training, be unable to complete the distance, and, in all likelihood, that would be the end of my running career. As someone who’s realised just how beneficial running can be to both my physical and mental wellbeing, that’s not a situation I want to find myself in.

What I’ve realised from using Runna is just how important it is to have an adaptive training plan. My own plan would likely be quite static – I’d likely not recognise when it was time to tone down (or increase) the pace, I’d likely increase distance too quickly (or not increase it sufficiently), and nor would I programme in de-load weeks. As such, I’d either be harming myself or my ability to complete the distance to the best of my ability. What’s more, I’d be completely clueless about another essential requirement, something extremely beneficial to both performance and injury prevention – strength training.

Runna Includes Strength Training as Standard

Now, admittedly, I’m not a huge fan of lifting weights. But the irrefutable benefits to both running performance and injury prevention make it hard to ignore – so onto the list it goes. In testing, each app included, to varying degrees, at least one strength or cross-training day each week. But for many, this was merely a recommendation to focus on an area of the body, legs and core for example, with no further guidance. Runna, on the other hand, goes much, much further.

Similarly to the running component, you select the number of strength focused days (I went with one per week), and the ideal duration of these sessions (I went with the recommended 45 minutes). What’s great with Runna’s strength programme is they try to make it accessible, so you’re more likely to adhere. To achieve this, Runna asks what equipment’s available to you (resistance bands, pull-up bar, dumbbells, complete gym and so on), and curates a plan around this. So, if you’re like me, you’ll be pleased to know there’s no need to head to the gym, and, therefore, no excuse not to complete the sessions.

Each strength session is highly detailed. Animations and videos demonstrating ideal form accompany each exercise (see screenshot below) to help you confidently complete workouts. In my opinion, Runna have dedicated significant time and resources developing the strength-training portion of their platform – reinforcing the earlier point about their team, the decision to employ physiotherapists, and the implicit importance of injury prevention and pursuit of running longevity.

There’s a great deal of variety to the strength sessions, which helps keep things interesting, and despite my reservations I’ve found them quite enjoyable. No other running training app has managed to embed strength training quite like Runna, so hats off to them.

How Much is Runna and is it Worth It?

Runna’s app is available for either £15.99 a month (and you can cancel at any time), or you can save a chunk by opting for the annual subscription, which is £99.99 for the full year (just £8.33 per month). When you consider you’re getting a running coach, strength coach, Pilates teacher, and mobility teacher for that, it’s damn good value.

But, if you’re still on the fence, here are some additional features which I think tip Runna into ‘absolute bargain’ territory.

And remember, you don’t need to take my word for it. By clicking here, you’ll get a two-week free trial of the Runna app to see if it works for you!

The Added Value and Secret Benefits of Runna

So, while that’s it for my essential criteria, Runna also provides some additional elements that, prior to using the app, I didn’t know I needed but that have been infinitely valuable to my training. To keep things short, I’ll provide a very brief overview of each.

1. Articles: Each week, Runna provides an article to accompany your training. These look at different topics to help you grow as a runner. For example, one of the early weeks’ articles discusses and demonstrates ideal running form, provides explanation of why form is important (to both performance and injury prevention), and is accompanied by a video clearly and concisely demonstrating how to achieve it.
2. Discounts: My recent obsession with running has led to quite a few purchases (mainly shoes). I’m sure I’m not alone here. By joining Runna Premium, you gain access to a plethora of really generous discounts. For example, as of writing, you get 25% off Garmin, 10% off Shokz headphones, 20% off Sweaty Betty, 10% off Start Fitness, and much more. To put this into context, let’s say you use Start Fitness to purchase a pair of race day trainers. You’ll likely save £15-25 here alone, which is a month or two of the plan when paid monthly.
3. Weekly Live Classes: While I haven’t use these at the time of writing, Runna hosts weekly classes on Mondays between 6:00 – 6:45 pm UK time. These cover recovery and stretching routines and alternate between Yoga and Pilates. For those who can’t attend, they’re recorded and uploaded to Runna each week.
4. Community: There’s a really cool and supportive community tab on Runna’s app. Here, you can share your progress, support others, and ask questions for other community members and coaches to answer. Also, a feature that’s really handy is that your feed is individually curated. So, when you input a goal race, your feed will reflect that race. For example, I’m running the Loch Ness Marathon in September, and the Runna app automatically suggests the relevant community. It’s an ideal place to ask for or give advice relevant to that specific race. Top stuff, Runna.

Runna Two-Week Free Trial Discount Code

There are two ways to redeem your free trial. If you haven’t already downloaded the app, you can download Runna here and your free trial referral / discount code will be automatically applied during setup.

If you’ve already downloaded the Runna app to have a look at what’s on offer, or if for any reason the above link doesn’t work, just enter code GRITTY in the referral code settings.

Gritty Verdict: Why Should I Train with Runna?

In reviewing the available marathon training plans, Runna was a cut above the rest. While two-way integration with fitness watches may be a unique priority, Runna’s focus on injury prevention should certainly be a universal one for all runners considering a training companion. Since writing this review, Runna have added mobility (and/or Pilates) sessions directly into the marathon training plans, further lending credence to their commitment to well-rounded training and a focus on injury prevention.

I recently finished week 7 of the plan, going from complete non-runner to half-marathoner in this time. Runna’s plan has undoubtedly helped keep me injury free in what has been a monumental increase in training load. I’m excited, as well as a little nervous, about the remainder of the 16-week marathon training plan. In the next four weeks, the longest runs will increase to 30 kilometres before a deload week leads to the longest run of the plan, the dreaded 32 kilometres. While intimidating, I’m confident that the team behind Runna has developed the plans to ensure adequate preparation.

If you like the sound of the training plans offered by Runna, you can get two weeks free by clicking here. Alternatively, just visit the App/Google Play store, search for Runna, and enter code GRITTY.

What’s New for the Runna App in 2025?

Runna’s team have been busy this year. Like, properly busy. Since writing this review, the app’s had a full shake-up — but it just keeps improving. More flexible plans, smarter pacing, and a few features that make it far less of a pain when life gets in the way.

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V3 Update: More Flexible Workout Scheduling

Runna 3.0 brought in a new Today Tab, a tidier version of Training Calendar, as well as something called Instant Workouts.
Translation: you can actually see what’s on, move it around, and still get something done when plans go sideways. Basically, you can better bend the plan to fit your lifestyle.

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Training Preferences: Dial it in

Even as a beginner, you’ve likely heard of the 80/20 rule. Well, now you can decide how strict you want to be at following it! You can now tell the app how much to give you (training volume) and how hard to make it (difficulty).

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Plan Versions: Choose your flavour

If Runna tweaks a plan, you’ll now see “new version available” — and you can opt in or stay put.

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Smarter Runna AI: Now it actually learns

You no longer need three speed sessions to “teach” the AI your pace — one will do.
Time trials, treadmill runs, and races all feed it now. The result? Faster feedback, more accurate pacing, and less guessing.

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Runna Labs: Mobility is key

Mobility and strength sessions just got a big update (and they were good anyway!) Think fascia release, stability drills — the stuff you know you should do but never do.

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Big news: Runna got bought by Strava

What an acquisition!

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Verdict

This new iteration of Runna seems better suited to the masses. Whether you want to make running your entire personality or strike a balance with other activities, the new flexibility around scheduling and the ability to tinker with the percentage of easy:hard runs means there’s a version of Runna to suit all.

The Runna for all attitude is also reflected in the shear number of available plans to suit just about everyone. Whether it’s your first foray into running, your returning after a long break, after injury, or you’re serious about smashing those PBs in a multitude of distances, there’s a Runna plan for you.

Latest Reviews

• After writing this review, completing the plan, and weighing up the areas I thought Runna had room to improve, I wrote a post-plan review. Truthfully, the updates since have essentially addressed everything I was concerned about. Still, it’s interesting as a reference point to see how the company has evolved over the years.
• While you’re here, why not check out some of our other reviews? We’ve reviewed a LOT of shoes. Everything from the moment Hoka finally nailed their race day shoe in the Hoka Cielo X1, to the massively hyped (and rightly so) lightweight daily trainers such as the Adidas Evo SL to trail running shoes like the NNormal Kjerag 02, we’ve got you covered.
• Our review of technology doesn’t end with Runna, though. If you end up getting absorbed by the sport, you might want to switch-up your running GPS watch game with something like the Suunto Race S, or Suunto Vertical 2.
• P.S. You can view all our posts in one place by clicking here. Don’t forget to save yourself some money by checking out our partner discount codes below!