NHS Couch to 5K

10.4.0

Department of Health and Social Care (Digital)

4.91

69,871 reviews

1,000,000+
Downloads

Free

Start running in collaboration with the BBC

Screenshots by Department of Health and Social Care (Digital), from the Google Play listing

View on Google Play

About NHS Couch to 5K

NHS Couch to 5K is a health & fitness app developed by Department of Health and Social Care (Digital).

Install Statistics

NHS Couch to 5K has been installed 3.1 million times. In the last 30 days, the app was installed 13 thousand times. It is ranked in the top 100 health & fitness apps.

User Ratings

NHS Couch to 5K is rated 4.91 out of 5 stars. The rating is based on 70 thousand ratings.

App Information

NHS Couch to 5K is freely available from Google Play. The app size is 36.15 MB. The latest version available is 10.4.0. The last update was on September 22, 2026.

Technical Requirements

NHS Couch to 5K requires Android 9.0+ or higher. The app has a content rating of Everyone. The app has been available on Google Play since March 2016.

NHS Couch to 5K is made and published by Department of Health and Social Care (Digital). AppBrain is an independent app data site and isn't affiliated with Department of Health and Social Care (Digital). The app name, icon, screenshots and description belong to Department of Health and Social Care (Digital) and are shown as published on Google Play.

Description by Department of Health and Social Care (Digital) (from Google Play)

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!

Recent changes:
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

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App Performance Report

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Alternatives to NHS Couch to 5K

Google Play Rating history and histogram

64K

6.1K

Installs over time

NHS Couch to 5K has been installed 3.1 million times. Over the past 30 days, it averaged 430 installs per day.

Changelog of NHS Couch to 5K

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Developer information for Department of Health and Social Care (Digital)

Department of Health and Social Care (Digital)

digitalproducts@dhsc.gov.uk

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Comments on NHS Couch to 5K for Android

★★★★★ Sarah Spiers · Oct 9, 2026

What a fantastic program it really does work! I started struggling to run for 1 minute now I'm at the end of week 5 and running for 20 mins continuously! I can't believe I could ever be this for to run for that long! Highly recommend!

★★★★★ Josey Robinson · Oct 31, 2026

Just started Week 2 of Couch to 5K. Really enjoying the app so far. I haven't run since I was an apprentice (so at least a decade ago!) and it's fantastic for beginners. You can listen to your own music - the music volume will decrease while the trainer is speaking and increase again when they have stopped. I use the warm-up and cool down exercises too. Your phone will vibrate when it's time to start running again, which is handy. Overall, a great app. Invest in a quality pair of running shoes!

★★★★★ Ella H · Aug 9, 2026

I was a regular runner until my second trimester and, now I've had the baby, I'm doing couch to 5k to build my confidence and fitness back. It's an amazing free program, and I'm so glad I'm doing it!

★☆☆☆☆ Brendan · Sep 9, 2026

Easy to navigate, clear instructions but the app freezes when you're running and when you open the app screen it keeps counting down, just run at least twice the time I was supposed to, I doubted myself until I got home and checked another app, I have an 8-hour shift standing ahead of me.... nightmare legs are shot.

★☆☆☆☆ emelem · Oct 4, 2026

Shortest time ever for possessing an app. It makes you pick a "celebrity" to train you. 😒 Why does everything have to have a "celebrity" attached to it nowadays? And *Millikan* is going to train me? Yeah, running from the room! 😂

★★☆☆☆ Lisa Edwards · Sep 7, 2026

I've given it 2 stars as the timer isn't tracking properly and what I think is a 5-minute walk is actually a 10-minute walk. This is despite me keeping the app open and running

Google Play Rankings for NHS Couch to 5K

Top rankings

Rank	Country	Category	List
40	United Kingdom	Health & Fitness	Top Free

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Ranking history in United Kingdom

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Technologies used by NHS Couch to 5K

17 permissions · 49 libraries

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Frequently asked questions about NHS Couch to 5K

Is NHS Couch to 5K free?

Yes. NHS Couch to 5K is free on Google Play.

Is NHS Couch to 5K still available?

Yes. NHS Couch to 5K is on Google Play, and the last update we saw was on September 22, 2026.

Does NHS Couch to 5K contain ads?

No. Google Play does not list NHS Couch to 5K as containing ads.

What Android version does NHS Couch to 5K require?

NHS Couch to 5K runs on Android 9.0 and higher.

How large is NHS Couch to 5K?

NHS Couch to 5K is 36.15 MB.

Is NHS Couch to 5K suitable for children?

Google Play rates the content of NHS Couch to 5K as suitable for everyone.

How many times has NHS Couch to 5K been installed?

Google Play lists 1,000,000+ installs for NHS Couch to 5K.

How do people rate NHS Couch to 5K?

NHS Couch to 5K scores 4.91 out of 5 stars, from 69,871 ratings on Google Play.

Who made NHS Couch to 5K?

NHS Couch to 5K was developed by Department of Health and Social Care (Digital). It is listed in the health & fitness category on Google Play.

What are the best alternatives to NHS Couch to 5K?

People looking at NHS Couch to 5K also look at these health & fitness apps: C25K® Couch to 5K: Run Trainer, Couch to 5K®, Couch 5k - Running App, Learn To Run: Couch to 5K Plan, RunAI: Couch To 5k Pacer.

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