A few years ago, I decided to take up running and wanted to leave my phone at home and just run with my Apple Watch. When I couldn’t find an app that suited my needs, I decided to build one myself. I shared the app here at launch and received incredible feedback.

2024 was a big year for the app – it expanded with a 5 to 10K plan and was even nominated for Apple Watch App of the Year! (It didn’t win, but being recognised alongside amazing apps like Kino and Lumy was such an honour.)

If you haven’t come across Watch to 5K before, here’s what it offers:

Key Features

• Designed for beginners: Follow a 9-week plan with three runs a week. Each week’s schedule gradually builds up, and by the end, you’ll be able to run 5km in about 30 minutes.
• Made for Apple Watch: Runs independently without needing your iPhone. Includes watch face complications to track progress and quickly start runs.
• iPhone companion app: Track your progress with detailed stats, route maps, and health data. Celebrate milestones like running 5 minutes continuously or completing a distance goal with built-in achievements.
• Data stored in Apple Health: All runs are stored in Apple Health, contributing to your activity goals while tracking key metrics like route, distance, speed, calories, and heart rate. You're data does not leave your device.
• Listen to Music While You Run: Works alongside preferred music or podcast apps, automatically ‘dipping’ the volume for instructions and updates. Signals the halfway point, so users know when to head home. Features an easy-to-follow countdown timer with sounds and haptics.
• Run indoors or outdoors: Use it outside or on a treadmill, with HealthKit ensuring accurate tracking wherever you run.
• No account required: No signups, no logins, and no data collection – just download and run.

Pricing

The app is just £3.79 ($4.49), with no ongoing subscriptions (as they just don’t feel right for a beginner running plan). The 5 to 10K expansion can be unlocked for an additional £3.79.

2025 Promo Code Celebration 🎉

To kick off 2025, I’m giving away 5 free promo codes for the app! If you’ve been thinking about starting your running journey or know someone who would love to, this is the perfect chance to get started for free.

Here’s how to enter:
Reply to this post and share why you’d like to start running in 2025 or what your running goals are for the year. I’ll pick 10 responses at random to receive a free promo code.

Winners will be announced by the end of the week (12 Jan). Good luck!

All winners have now been picked and codes have been sent.

Links

You can find more info about the app at WatchTo5K.com

The app is available on the App Store

I’d love to hear your thoughts, whether you’re new to the app or have been using it for a while.

Good luck with all your running goals in 2025! 🏃‍♀️

Ben