Couch to 5k: NHS running app downloads soar by nearly one million during lockdown

App has seen 92 per cent increase in downloads compared to last year

Related video: Coronavirus – what have we got to feel optimistic about? (Getty)

Lockdown has prompted a surge in the number of aspiring runners, with nearly one million people downloading the Couch to 5K app since March.

According to recent figures, more than 858,000 people downloaded the app between March and the end of June, a 92 per cent increase from the same period in 2019 when the app was downloaded 448,000 times.

The NHS-backed app is designed for beginners and encourages them to incrementally increase the amount they run each week with the help of guided commentary from a virtual coach.

The plan sets three runs per week with a day of rest between each and features a roster of celebrity coaches including radio DJ Jo Whiley, comedians Sarah Millican and Sanjeev Kohli, and former US Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson.

Leicia Thompson, who lives in Leeds and works for the NHS, started the Couch to 5K programme during lockdown.

“I hadn't ever run any kind of distance before so didn't think I'd make it past the first couple of weeks, but now seven weeks on I'm running 25 minutes non-stop and can't believe the progress I've made,” she said.

“The increase in running time is really gradual and even for a complete beginner like myself it is really manageable. Being able to choose the voice on the app is also a great feature – I have Sarah Millican encouraging me along the way and that really helps to keep going.”

Dr Nikki Kanani, NHS national director for primary care, who has also been running more during lockdown, added: “Lockdown has been a difficult time for so many of us and with millions of people working in new ways and not doing the activities they usually would, we know that it can be much harder to get motivated to get up and go.

“It is incredible to see that practical tools like Couch to 5k have become even more popular over the last three months. It won't be the right solution for everyone, but it's a simple way to begin and small steps can make a massive difference to your health and your lifestyle.”

Rosanna O'Connor, acting director for health improvement at Public Health England, said that many people who have downloaded the app have seen improvements in both their physical and mental health.

“Lockdown has been challenging for us all but it's hugely positive to see so many people using this opportunity to get more active and using Public Health England's app, part of its Couch to 5k campaign,” she said.

“Keeping active is not only good for our physical health but also crucially at this time helping us look after our mental health. And staying fit and healthy means we're also playing our part in supporting the NHS.”