The best running apps with a training plan (October 2026)
It depends how you run: Runna if you only run and want the most specialized app, Garmin Coach if you own a Garmin and want free 5K, 10K or half-marathon plans, Nike Run Club to run with audio guidance, Athletica for triathlon or multi-sport endurance, and EntrenAI if you run on top of strength or other sports. EntrenAI publishes this guide, so each app links to its source and we say when not to pick ours.
Updated
Summary by case
| You only run and want the most specialized | Runna |
|---|---|
| You own a Garmin and want a free plan | Garmin Coach (5K, 10K and half marathon) |
| You want to run with audio guidance | Nike Run Club |
| Triathlon or multi-sport endurance | Athletica |
| You run and also train strength or other sports | EntrenAI (€7.99/month or €23.99/year, with a 7-day trial) |
How this list is made
We looked at each app's official website on October 19, 2026 and only record what they say. Prices change and vary by country, so we do not compare them here except on each app's own page. Strava is not on the list because it records, it does not plan: its plans are fixed templates (details).
The apps
- Runna: running plans by race (5K to marathon), with paces and supporting strength; Strava bought it in April 2025 (alternatives, comparison).
- Garmin Coach: free adaptive 5K, 10K and half-marathon plans with three coaches; compatible Garmin devices required.
- Nike Run Club: audio-guided runs with Nike coaches, tracking and challenges. Website.
- Athletica: an adaptive endurance plan (running, triathlon, duathlon, cycling, rowing and HYROX); free trial with no card (alternatives). Website.
- EntrenAI: a 5K-to-marathon running plan with VDOT paces (Daniels) and an 80/20 distribution, coordinated with strength and other sports, and a daily sleep, stress and fatigue adjustment (details).
What to look at when choosing
- Do you only run? Then specialization matters.
- Do you own a Garmin watch? Garmin Coach is free.
- Do you do other sports? A single plan keeps strength or cycling from wrecking the long run.
- Daily adjustment? See whether the app takes into account how you slept or how much fatigue you carry.
When NOT to pick EntrenAI
- If you only run and want the most established app with the most community: Runna.
- If you need a watch app or audio-guided runs: EntrenAI does not have them.
- If you are looking for a free plan: Garmin Coach, with a Garmin.
- EntrenAI launched in May 2026.
Each app's data comes from its public website and changes over time.
Frequently asked questions
It depends. Runna is the most specialized in running; Garmin Coach is free if you own a Garmin; Nike Run Club offers audio-guided runs; EntrenAI fits if you also run alongside strength or other sports.
Garmin Coach, with a compatible Garmin device, offers free 5K, 10K and half-marathon plans. EntrenAI has free workout logging, but the running plan is paid, with a 7-day trial.
Garmin Coach goes up to the half marathon. For the marathon look at Runna, Athletica or EntrenAI, which has a marathon plan with VDOT paces and down weeks.
Try it yourself
Download EntrenAI: free workout logging costs nothing and the personalized plan has a 7-day trial.