Apps Watch to 5K: Couch to 5km Apple Watch App. *WatchOS + iOS 26 Update*

[bencallis]

Yes that one was working well. The strange thing is that during other runs at the end you hear that the music is lowered in volume, the watch vibrates and then the lady starts talking.

With the 4km run the only thing was the watch vibrating.. music volume stayed the same and no voice.

is there a way to send our check logfiles?

The issue seems to be related to the latest WatchOS cutting off audio from third party apps when the workout ends. Enabling the cooldown works around this as the audio continues to play as an active walk workout is in progress.

How are you getting on with the 10K plan?

 

[rnsmfd]

As my daughter has challenged me to do a 5 km run with her at an local event on 8 february 2025 I am looking for a way to train with the apple watch for this and stumbled upon your app.
I never did any running before so the app seems to be what I need to accept my daughters challenge.

Just a quick question in advance, do I need to start the running workout from apple and after that I start your app ?

Thank your for your info.

 

[DJP1]

You need to start the run from the watch. Just open the app on your watch, select the run and start

 

[DJP1]

The issue seems to be related to the latest WatchOS cutting off audio from third party apps when the workout ends. Enabling the cooldown works around this as the audio continues to play as an active walk workout is in progress.

How are you getting on with the 10K plan?

Got sick after I finished the 7KM run... No I'm starting again in Week 11

 

[Tdude96]

Just saw this is a finalist for App of the Year! Congratulations!

 

[bencallis]

Thanks for very much! I'm absolutely delighted that Watch to 5K is a finalist!

 

[bencallis]

While Watch to 5K didn’t take the top spot, it’s an incredible honor to be recognized by Apple as one of the top three Apple Watch apps of 2024.

I’ve got several exciting new features planned for next year and am committed to continuing to be the best Apple Watch app for new runners.

 

[DJP1]

new features?

 

[bencallis]

A few things in mind:

1. Support for miles (I know a lot non European users have asked for this and it makes more sense now there is a 5 - 10K plan).
2. Strava upload ( may need to charge for this as I need to use their API so it may or may not be in Watch to 5K).

 

[bencallis]

Happy New Year everyone!

To celebrate 2025 here's 5 promo codes for the app

L9XK6MHFM6EP
9XKAA7AF7MFR
PHKXEXX3YWPA
W37MAE6PYRAR
PK7HRAPYW9W3

Please let others know which one you have used.

Best of luck with all your health and fitness goals in 2025!

 

[rnsmfd]

Happy New Year to you too and thank you for the promo code, I have used the second.

Let's give it a try.

 

[Mackilroy]

Happy New Year everyone!

To celebrate 2025 here's 5 promo codes for the app

L9XK6MHFM6EP
9XKAA7AF7MFR
PHKXEXX3YWPA
W37MAE6PYRAR
PK7HRAPYW9W3

Please let others know which one you have used.

Best of luck with all your health and fitness goals in 2025!

Thank you again for giving me a code last year, I've recommended the app to multiple people, and I restarted it today to work through the whole plan a second time. I'm in much better shape now, so I think I'll manage to run a 5K in the allotted time rather than going over as I did before.

 

[DJP1]

It took a little bit longer then hoped, i had to do Some runs multiple times but i did it!

@bencalis thanks for the app!

 

[bencallis]

@DJP1 Amazing! 10K is a cracking distance. How did you find the expansion plan?

 

[DJP1]

@DJP1 Amazing! 10K is a cracking distance. How did you find the expansion plan?

Most of the times i did the first run on Monday, the second on Wednesday and the last run of the week on Friday. Those mondaymorning runs were the hardest... the faster and long runs went fine but those 30min recovery runs...

Any plans for a 15K expansion?

 

[bencallis]

I’ve been working on a big update—adding mile support to the app for users who prefer distances in miles over kilometers. This has been a popular request, and I’m excited to roll it out soon as part of Version 7.0. Before it hits the App Store, I’d love to get feedback from both existing and new users to polish the release and squash any bugs.

What’s New in Version 7.0 (Mile Support Update)​

• Select Your Preferred Distance Unit Distances and pace can now be viewed in miles or kilometer. Whether you’re on the Couch to 5K plan or the 5-10K expansion, pick the unit that works for you.
• Seamless Unit Switching Easily toggle between miles and kilometers in the app settings on the phone or watch to suit your preference—your progress will adapt smoothly.
• Voice Coach Updates in Miles Get progress updates at every mile during distance-based runs, keeping you motivated and informed.
• Improved Flexibility for All Plans Mile support works across all existing plans (Couch to 5K and 5-10K), so you can train your way, whether you’re just starting out or pushing toward a 10K.

Who Can Join the Beta?​

I’m looking for Apple Watch users to help test this update:

• Existing Watch to 5K users who’d like to try mile support and ensure their completed runs display correctly.
• New users who’ve completed a 5K (or are close to it) and want to train with miles instead of kilometers.
• Anyone interested in providing feedback on the mile-based features or reporting issues.

If you’re an existing user, simply installing the beta and checking that your run history looks as expected would be a huge help! For newcomers, you can jump into any plan—mile support is fully integrated.

The beta is free to join via TestFlight, and during the beta period, all features (including the 5-10K plan) are accessible at no cost. Reply to this thread, and I’ll send you instructions to join!

Requirements: An Apple Watch running watchOS 8+ and an iPhone running iOS 15+.

Watch to 5K Key Features (Recap)​

Made for Apple Watch

• Runs independently without the need for your iPhone.
• Watch face complications are included allowing you to monitor your progress and quickly launch the app.

iPhone companion App

• An iPhone companion app is included to allow you to track your progress and view breakdowns of your runs.
• Achievements are awarded as you progress through the plan to celebrate milestones such as running continuously for 5 minutes or running for a certain distance.

Integrates with Apple Health

• Sessions are stored in Apple Health and count towards your activity goals.
• WatchTo5K tracks your route, distance, calories, average speed and heart rate so you can easily track your progress.

Listen to music while you run

• Works alongside your preferred music player or podcast watch app, automatically ‘dipping’ the volumes so you can hear the instructions and updates on your progress.
• Signals the halfway point, so you know when to head home!
• Easy to follow countdown timer that uses sounds and haptics, so you know how long you’ve got left of each run.

 

[Mackilroy]

Nice! I don't mind having to tap to switch to miles, but I appreciate the addition.

 

[bencallis]

Nice! I don't mind having to tap to switch to miles, but I appreciate the addition.

The big benefit is that the watch app can now show miles which should help users in the States and Canada who are much more used to miles.

 

[bencallis]

Watch to 5K v7 is now live with full mile support.

 

[bencallis]

7.0.1 has recently shipped with a couple of UI improvements and bug fixes.

The app has just hit 2000 reviews which is pretty mind-blowing!

 

[i4k20c]

this is timely as i was looking for an app for my wife for this. is the 10k expansion something separate or included?

prob a dumb question - but how do you listen to music on the watch only if you have apple music with your app? do i have to first create a playlist somehow?

also does this app allow family sharing if we're in a family or does each person have to buy the app?

 

[bencallis]

this is timely as i was looking for an app for my wife for this. is the 10k expansion something separate or included?

prob a dumb question - but how do you listen to music on the watch only if you have apple music with your app? do i have to first create a playlist somehow?

also does this app allow family sharing if we're in a family or does each person have to buy the app?

The 10K expansion is a separate one-time in-app purchase—£3.79, same as the 5K plan.

If your Apple Watch is Wi-Fi only (not cellular), you'll need to add music to it for offline playback while running. Apple’s got a handy guide on how to do that here: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/watch/apd483798d11/watchos

As for Family Sharing—bit of a pain, but Apple doesn’t support it for paid-upfront watch apps, only for in-app purchases. So yep, each person would need to buy Watch to 5K separately. I’ve tried to keep the price as low as possible (around the cost of a coffee) to make it easy for everyone to get started.

Good luck with the running!

 

[i4k20c]

The 10K expansion is a separate one-time in-app purchase—£3.79, same as the 5K plan.

If your Apple Watch is Wi-Fi only (not cellular), you'll need to add music to it for offline playback while running. Apple’s got a handy guide on how to do that here: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/watch/apd483798d11/watchos

As for Family Sharing—bit of a pain, but Apple doesn’t support it for paid-upfront watch apps, only for in-app purchases. So yep, each person would need to buy Watch to 5K separately. I’ve tried to keep the price as low as possible (around the cost of a coffee) to make it easy for everyone to get started.

Good luck with the running!

super helpful and that makes sense! i mean for the price of a coffee to have an app that can help you be healthier and not tied to your phone is a no brainer to me! both my wife and i will purchase it!

 

[bencallis]

I’ve got a new beta of Watch to 5K ready, focused on the new design changes in iOS 26 + watchOS 26. Most of the update is about liquid glass / UI polish—making the app feel more at home with Apple’s latest look.


I’d love a few testers on the 26 betas to check the new design, and also some on iOS 18 + watchOS 11 to make sure nothing broke for existing users.

The beta is free via TestFlight (all features unlocked during testing). Reply here if you want an invite!

 

[i4k20c]

I’ve got a new beta of Watch to 5K ready, focused on the new design changes in iOS 26 + watchOS 26. Most of the update is about liquid glass / UI polish—making the app feel more at home with Apple’s latest look.


I’d love a few testers on the 26 betas to check the new design, and also some on iOS 18 + watchOS 11 to make sure nothing broke for existing users.


View attachment 2542097

The beta is free via TestFlight (all features unlocked during testing). Reply here if you want an invite!

i would love an invite!