Running is a form of exercise that is suitable for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. However, when you are a beginner, starting a running routine can be challenging. Two to three times a week is the best start for beginner runners.

Equip yourself with the proper gear, the right accessories, the right shoes and the appropriate clothing, set your goals, and start running!

COUCH TO 5K: For you who are new to running

• Cost: Free
• Suitable for: 5k running, beginners
• Why choose it?: Guided running exercises, Flexible program, Choice of 6 coaches

If you are new to running and don't know how to start, the Couch to 5k app is what you are looking for. By following the beginner training program, you will improve your fitness, and in just 6 weeks you will be able to run 5 kilometers (about 30 minutes).

You can choose from 6 coaches to give you audio prompts and motivation.

ZEN LABS 10K: The Best App for 10k

• Download Cost: Free
• Extras: Upgrade to Premium at a cost
• Suitable for: 10k running, beginners
• Why choose it? : Guided running exercises, Easy to use, Live community

If you want to go from 5k to 10k, or if you want to reach 10k directly, the ZEN LABS 10K app is the one that will help you achieve it. It guides you through the daily training you need to follow, divided into intervals for speed training, so you can decide your own pace and how much you want to push yourself. For longer runs, you will hear an automated voice telling you when to start and when to stop. Then, the app calibrates and provides the basic statistics from your workout.

NIKE RUN CLUB: The app that meets all your needs

• Download cost: Free
• Extras: Free
• Suitable for: Beginners, 5k Running, 10k Running, Speed, Half Marathon, Marathon
• Why choose it? : Variety of running programs, Guided runs, Track your own route

Nike Run Club is completely free to download and use, with no additional hidden subscription payments and offers everything you need to start running as a beginner or to advance with your speed or distance goals. There are training plans guided by experts and guided runs to keep you moving, GPS run tracking, distance and pace stats, challenges to participate in within the community, and much more. 

STRAVA: If you want to monitor your physical condition

• Download cost: Free
• Extras: Update to Premium with cost
• Suitable for: those who want to monitor their physical condition
• Why choose it? : Statistics, Route Maps, Community, Challenges

If you are looking for an app to monitor the distance, pace, and time of your runs, then Strava is what you need. It can help you track your progress and set goals for the future. It also provides challenges and competitions, opportunities to place on leaderboards, and even be awarded achievements.

While many of Strava's basic fitness tracking features are free, you will need to subscribe to gain access to even deeper insights and training plans, which can help you improve your progress.

UNDER ARMOUR MAP MY RUN: The Best App for Maps

• Download Cost: Free
• Extras: Update to Premium at a cost
• Why choose it?: Statistics, Route Maps, Community, Challenges

Under Armour's Map My Run tracks your distance, pace in real-time, and totals at the end of each run. As for mapping your routes, it is available in the free version. However, voice guidance and location sharing with others are available in the premium version.