Runna - Is the Free Trial Worth It?
- Andy Hood
- Oct 26
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
If you're a runner on the hunt for a training app that actually coaches you, not just logs your miles, then Runna deserves a serious look. And yes — the two-week free trial absolutely can be worth it. Let’s dive into why (and where it may fall short), with insight from ultra-runner Andy Hood and his experience putting Runna through its paces.
If you have arrived here looking for a free trial of Runna then use the special code below, it will give you a full 2 weeks of the full Runna experience.
Free Trail Code: RUNNA20PQR9E
What Runna brings to the table
Runna is designed for runners of all levels — from that very first 5 K to multi-day ultras. According to user reviews, you’ll find programmes labelled 5 K, 10 K, half-marathon, full marathon and even ultramarathon. The app features include:
Training plans that are customised to your goal and schedule (number of days you can run, your current fitness level).
Ease of setup and device compatibility: works with key brands like Garmin, Apple Watch, Coros, Suunto and more — so you’re not stuck looking at your phone mid-run or like me I leave the phone at home or car for post run selfie as the Apple Watch and Shokz Open Run Pro 2 do everything I need.
Audio cues & pacing guidance: the app tells you when to speed up, slow down or switch intervals — ideal if you struggle to interpret your watch on the go and saves you constantly looking at your watch which can slow you down, if only for a moment.
Strength, mobility & cross-training built-in: Runna doesn’t just say “go run,” it gives exercises to support your running and help injury-proof your legs. Warm-up and cool-down stretches are also included, as a runner in his 50’s these are not an absolute must.
In short: if you want more structure and hands-on guidance than the “just go run” apps, Runna delivers.
The free trial — two weeks to decide
Free Trail Code: RUNNA20PQR9E
The beauty of Runna is you can try it free for two weeks. That’s long enough to test key aspects:
How well the app connects to your watch or device.
Whether you can follow the audio cues and interval instructions easily.
If you like the run-session formats (tempos, intervals, long runs) and they make sense for you.
Whether the plan aligns with your schedule and you feel motivated by it.
In the experience of Andy Hood, who has moved into ultra-distance territory post-recovery (see below), two weeks do give “enough time to see if the app, session formats, audio cues work for you”. In his words: you’ll know whether it’s for you or not.That said: for some runners, especially those with very specific goals (say a 100 mile race in 24 weeks) or those who simply take longer to settle in, two weeks might feel short. But for getting a feel of the fit (app usability, device compatibility, coaching style) — it’s a solid window.
Andy used Runna for the ND50K
Where it might fall short
If you only run once or twice a week, the value may be limited; many of Runna’s plans assume regular sessions and may feel a bit heavy on structure for very casual runners.
While the compatibility is strong, make sure your specific watch model works smoothly with the audio/interval cues. Andy runs with Apple Watch Ultra 3 which performs well with the Runna app.
The 2-week trial is great for “feels right” but doesn’t give enough time to complete a full cycle of a longer plan (e.g., a full marathon build-up). So you’ll still need to judge whether you’re okay committing after trial.
Training with Runna
Andy Hood’s story & how he uses Runna
Andy Hood is an ultra-runner whose journey is nothing short of inspiring: having battled testicular cancer, he used his recovery to shift into ultra and endurance running, raising significant funds for charity along the way.
Andy uses Runna to train for some of his most challenging ultras, The Tour du Mont Blanc, a 24 hour treadmill run, and various 100K and 50K UK and international ultras. Runna is well suited for someone with his ambitions. He runs 100 K events, multi-day ultras, trail ultras and uses strength and mobility work as part of his training.For someone at Andy’s level, the appeal of Runna is that the app supports multi-day ultra plans (or at least ultra distances) and leverages strong device integration and audio cues — meaning he can run remote trails, rely on his watch, and be guided by the app rather than needing constant coach check-ins. If it works for an ultra runner like Andy Hood, it’s a strong signal the app can handle serious goals.
Finishing the TMB in 2025 - Andy trained with Runna
Verdict: Is the free trial worth it?
Free Trail Code: RUNNA20PQR9E
Yes — absolutely. If you’re considering Runna, the two-week free trial is a no-risk way to test the app’s fundamentals: setup ease, device compatibility, audio cues, plan format, and whether you like the training style.If after two weeks you feel comfortable with the app, motivated by the sessions, and your watch integration is seamless — then Runna is likely a worthy investment whether you’re prepping for a 5 K, a marathon or a multi-day ultra (just like Andy Hood).If instead you feel unsure, or the plan feels too heavy or not suited to your schedule, you’ve used your trial well and can look at other options — but you’ll have made an informed decision.
So go ahead — download it, use the free 2 week trial code RUNNA20PQR9E, link your watch, run a couple of sessions, and after the trial you’ll know whether Runna is going to be your training-partner or just a “nice to have”. Happy running!
Original post by ultra-runner Andy Hood
All views are own, Andy is not affiliated with or sponsored by any company mentioned in this article
Originally published September 2025
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