NHS Couch to 5K v9.5.0

Department of Health and Social Care (Digital)

About this app

Developer Description

Start running in Partnership with the BBC

Start on your Couch to 5K running journey with the Official NHS App, in Partnership 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 Partnership 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!

What's New

Just like your running journey , we’re always improving bit by bit.
This update tidies up a few things under the hood to give you a cleaner, steadier training experience, plus some new features.
- New trainer audio volume isolation controls, adjust the trainer audio volume and even mute them entirely
- Extending rollout of audio transcripts across Ella Toone, Sarah Millican and Jo Whiley runs
- Some accessibility improvements for keyboard navigation and focus order

Version Information

Version: 9.5.0
Downloads: 1M+
Updated on: Dec 10, 2025
Released: Feb 2, 2026
Requires: Android 9

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NHS Couch to 5K - Google Play Rankings

Rank	Country	Category	List	Change
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No ranking data available yet. Rankings are updated daily.

#25 in Top Free Health And Fitness in United Kingdom

#24

Everyone Active

#25

NHS Couch to 5K

#26

Step Counter - Pedometer

NHS Couch to 5K users say on Google Play

★★★★★

Sarah-Anne Fitzsimmons

The best way to start running! Trust the process. Although I've run for a number of years, if I've had to come back to it after injury, it's a safe and structured way to do so. Some of the later sessions may seem like a big leap, but it works. Trust it. Running can bring you both physical and mental health benefits. Lots of local clubs and programmes that can support your journey by giving guided sessions alongside the app.

★★★★

peter donely

Great plan to get you off the couch, plus a great range of voices.

★★★

LouieLou70

If the app worked properly, it would be a solid 5 stars from me...the main problem being that the timers keep freezing, thus leaving you running/walking for longer than you are supposed to. The timer seems to jump forward to where it should have been when the screen is touched, so unless I constantly have the phone in my hand and regularly touch the screen, it doesn't function properly!

★★

Dan Wolf

I've used this on a different phone and it got me running 5k. After downloading on a new phone I am unable to download a coach, it gets to 90% then a general error occurs. I have uninstalled and reinstalled a few times and with different coaches but get the same error.

★

Trauts Rellaw

App doesn't load on firewall enabled phone, it just hangs on the opening screen. Opens fine if network connections are turned off, but I don't want to turn them off everytime I open the app. Not sure why network connection is even required. The audio packages it installs could be easily included in the main installer package without needing to download them afterwards.