Best 8 Marathon Training Apps in 2026: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Nike Run Club is the best marathon training app overall. It's free and includes a dedicated 18-week full marathon plan. This list covers eight apps, from plan builders to simple trackers, across iOS and Android.

Quick comparison table

1. Nike Run Club

Best for: First-time marathoners who want a free plan.

Nike's app offers an 18-week full marathon plan and a 14-week half marathon plan. Its guided runs are the best part, because they give you structure out on the road. If you want heavy personalization, other apps here go further.

2. Runna

Best for: Runners who want a plan built around them.

Runna builds personalized training plans for distances from 5K through the marathon. The plan builder is the main draw, so you aren't stuck with a one-size-fits-all schedule. Check the current pricing in the store listing before you commit.

3. Strava

Best for: Runners who want tracking and community alongside a plan.

Strava is mainly an activity tracking and social app, with training plans and route features added on. The social and route tools stand out. Its plans are an add-on rather than the main purpose, so it works well next to a dedicated plan app.

4. Final Surge

Best for: Runners who follow a coach or want a detailed training log.

Final Surge is a training log and coaching platform, and it's free to download. Coaching and logging are what it does best. It's listed among the best marathon training apps and suits more serious or self-directed runners.

5. Run with Hal

Best for: Runners who trust Hal Higdon's plans.

This app is built on Hal Higdon's marathon plans, and those plans are the reason to pick it. If you already know and like the Higdon approach, this puts it on your phone. It's free with subscription options.

6. Marathon Trainer

Best for: Runners with a specific race date and goal time.

You enter the race date, goal time and fitness level, and the app generates a plan. That goal-based setup is what sets it apart. It's available on iOS and Android.

7. Half Marathon Trainer

Best for: Runners stepping up toward a marathon through a half.

This is a companion app for half marathon plans, and that narrow focus is its strength. It isn't a full marathon plan app, so treat it as a stepping stone. It's free, with a subscription available.

8. Runmaster

Best for: Android runners who only want to track runs.

Runmaster doesn't provide a set marathon training plan. Run tracking is what it's for. It's Android-only and has in-app purchases, so pair it with a plan from another app.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I train for a marathon?

Nike Run Club's listing uses an 18-week plan for the full marathon, which is a sensible reference point. Your starting fitness may shift that up or down.

Do I need a paid app?

Not necessarily. Nike Run Club is free, Final Surge is free to download, and Run with Hal and Half Marathon Trainer are free with subscription options. Runmaster has in-app purchases. For Runna, check the pricing in its listing.

Can a tracker replace a training plan?

No. Runmaster records runs but has no set marathon plan, and Strava is mainly tracking with plans as an add-on. Pair a tracker with a real plan.

Which app suits a half marathon first?

Half Marathon Trainer is built around half marathon plans. Nike Run Club also lists a 14-week half marathon plan, and it's free.

The verdict

Nike Run Club is the strongest overall pick: free, with an 18-week marathon plan and guided runs. Runna is the runner-up for personalized plans. If you want goal-based or Higdon-style plans, look at Marathon Trainer or Run with Hal.

Match the app to your need: a plan, tracking, or coaching.