Best running apps: choose the right training plan for you
The best running app depends on whether you want a race plan, guidance on a run, an activity log or a place to work with a coach. Start with that choice before comparing features.
SportPlan Pro · €9.99/month · Cancel anytime
SportPlan is our product. This is our editorial guide, not an independent ranking or a hands-on test of every app. Choose by the job you need done.
Compare by what you need
| App | Best for | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Runna | Runners who want a running-focused plan and polished mobile guidance. | Our Runna comparison describes personalized plans, performance-based adaptation and audio cues. Compare that running focus with the sports you train. |
| Garmin Coach | Runners who prefer planning within the Garmin ecosystem. | Selected plans adapt using recovery and performance inputs. Supported sports, plans and features depend on your device; check compatibility first. |
| Nike Run Club | Runners considering a run-focused companion rather than a broader planning platform. | Consider whether its running guidance suits your routine. Check its current plan and device options before relying on it for a race build. |
| Strava | Runners whose starting point is recording and sharing activities. | Decide whether you need an activity community or a prescribed race plan. Check current training options; SportPlan can also use connected Strava activity data. |
| TrainingPeaks | Athletes who want detailed planning and analysis, particularly with a human coach. | Our comparison describes athlete and coach planning tools. The plan you follow and the coaching relationship matter as much as the platform. |
| SportPlan | Amateur athletes who want a web-based race plan adjusted from their training and recovery context. | Our product: SportPlan Pro costs €9.99/month, cancel anytime. It provides automated adaptive guidance; choose a human coach if personal observation and conversation are central to your needs. |
Editorial snapshot: 16 October 2026. Competitor descriptions reuse our existing comparisons where available. Nike Run Club and Strava are qualitative starting points; check current features with each provider. We do not compare competitor prices here.
For your first marathon, choose a plan you can follow
Look for a plan that starts from your current running, fits the days you can train and prepares you for race day. SportPlan uses your goal, availability and training context to shape sessions. A plan cannot guarantee a finish time or make an unsuitable goal appropriate.
When another app is the better fit
Start with Runna for a running-focused mobile workflow, Garmin Coach if you prefer its compatible-device ecosystem, or TrainingPeaks if your coach already works there. Consider Nike Run Club or Strava when running guidance or activity sharing matters more than automated race planning.
Running app questions
What is the best running app for marathon training?
There is no universal winner. Compare the plan workflow, your current running and your preferred devices. Runna focuses on running, Garmin Coach fits its device ecosystem, TrainingPeaks supports planning with a coach, and SportPlan adjusts a race plan from training and recovery context.
Is SportPlan an independent app reviewer?
No. SportPlan is our product. This guide explains use cases and tradeoffs using our existing comparisons, with qualitative summaries where we have no detailed comparison. It is not a scored product test.
Can I use Strava alongside SportPlan?
Yes. SportPlan has a Strava connection for activity data. Connection permissions and available data determine what the plan can use; Strava activity data does not supply every recovery signal.
How much does SportPlan cost?
SportPlan Pro is €9.99/month, cancel anytime. You subscribe to paid training directly; billing begins at checkout.
SportPlan Pro · €9.99/month · Cancel anytime