None to Run has been featured in The New York Times, Runner's World, SELF Magazine, COACH, and more. Publications consistently highlight our beginner-friendly approach that makes running accessible through gradual progression, built-in strength training, and a focus on time rather than distance. Our program has become the go-to alternative for those seeking a gentler path to consistent running.

Running for Our Lives - The New York Times | Published October 21, 2023
The New York Times featured None to Run in an essay exploring how short, slow runs provide significant health benefits. The author noted that beginner running programs like Couch to 5K and None to Run assume a 5K or running for 25 minutes are sensible, achievable goals, but emphasized that even shorter runs can be valuable.
The Best Running Apps for Both Training and Racing - Runner's World | Last Updated April 23, 2025
Runner's World featured None to Run in their comprehensive guide to the best running apps, highlighting it as ideal for returning to a consistent run schedule. The publication described the 12-week program as perfect for those who haven't run before or in a while, noting it includes three workouts of 30 minutes or less each week with the goal of running 25 minutes straight in three months. They also praised the inclusion of strength videos accessible through the website.
8 of the Best Running for Weight Loss Apps - Runner's World | Published June 30, 2023
Runner's World UK recommended None to Run as an accessible option for using running to burn extra calories, describing it as "an easier version of Couch to 5K." The article highlighted that the program focuses on running itself rather than distance or pace metrics, making it ideal for beginners. They noted the 12-week plan builds users up to running 25 minutes continuously through three workouts of less than 30 minutes, and praised the simple strength and mobility workouts for injury prevention that require no equipment.
The 19 best running apps, plus strength & conditioning, wellbeing, women’s health and more - Women’s Running (UK) | Published March 20, 2025
Women's Running UK featured None to Run in their comprehensive guide to the best running apps for beginners, highlighting its accessibility for people who have never run before. The magazine praised the 12-week program for being longer than many other first 5K plans, making it perfect for those starting at the very beginning of their fitness journey. They noted that N2R is designed to build fitness and stamina through programmes that show newcomers how to get going with running.
If running a 5K is on your 2026 to-do list, this entry-level alternative to the popular Couch-to-5K training plan is where you should start - Fit & Well | Published January 1, 2026
Fit & Well featured None to Run as a more accessible alternative to Couch to 5K, citing research showing that only 27% of participants completed C25K, with injury and fast progression as main barriers. The article included an in-depth interview with founder Mark Kennedy and detailed the 12-week program structure with three run-walk workouts and two strength sessions per week. The publication emphasized Kennedy's goal of making the program "more forgiving" with better structure and science, noting that the first week starts with just 30-second run intervals to ensure early success and build momentum.
A running expert pinpoints the number one reason most new runners give up—and provides the simple solution - Fit & Well | Published January 4, 2026
Fit & Well featured Mark Kennedy explaining why focusing on time instead of distance is the key to preventing new runners from giving up. Kennedy detailed how cardiovascular systems develop faster than connective tissues, leading to burnout and injury when programs progress too quickly. The article emphasized None to Run's slower progression, with 20-minute continuous runs not appearing until week 10 compared to week 6 in Couch to 5K, and highlighted Kennedy's philosophy of "holding people back from self-sabotage" to build sustainable running habits.
The None To Run Running App Is An Easier Alternative To Couch To 5K (This beginner plan will help anyone to start running) - COACH | Published November 11, 2020
COACH magazine published an in-depth feature interviewing two None to Run graduates who had previously struggled with Couch to 5K. The article highlighted that None to Run's 12-week structure allows for more gradual progression, with the first five-minute run interval occurring in week nine compared to week four in Couch to 5K. Both interviewees praised the program's integrated strength training for injury prevention and emphasized the supportive Facebook community, with one noting "there's no way I'd have been able to do Couch to 5K without having done None To Run first."
Left. Right. Repeat. Keeping Marathon Training Simple for Beginners - Canadian Running Magazine
The 43 Best Workout Apps So You Can Exercise Anywhere - SELF | Published July 23, 2021
SELF magazine featured None to Run as one of the best workout apps for beginners, praising its approachable workouts, simple training schedules, and encouraging audio prompts. The publication highlighted that the app's 12-week plan focuses on increasing running duration rather than pace or distance, making these metrics more accessible for total beginners. They also noted the inclusion of mobility and strength workouts that help prevent running-related injuries, and appreciated that the app's alerts run in the background without interrupting music or podcasts.
How Nike's Joyride Sneakers Turned Me Into A Runner Overnight - Bustle | Published October 31, 2019
Bustle published a transformative personal story from Erika Abdelatif about overcoming a lifetime of running shame and asthma to become a runner. The article featured extensive quotes from Mark Kennedy explaining why people struggle with running and how gradual progression prevents the "miserable experience of suffering and anxiety" common to beginners. Abdelatif credited None to Run with helping her go from running under a minute straight to successfully running 25 minutes in 12 weeks, emphasizing that the program's small wins and focus on building confidence were exactly the motivation needed.
I Ran My First 10K — These 5 Things Helped Me Cross The Finish Line - Bustle | Published January 23, 2020
Bustle featured a personal success story from writer Erika Abdelatif, who credited None to Run with helping her complete her first 10K despite having asthma. Abdelatif described how the 12-week program's focus on slow running and gradual progression helped her safely increase her lung capacity and build confidence. She quoted founder Mark Kennedy's philosophy that participants should complete their first run feeling accomplished and ready for more, noting the program "worked miraculously" and allowed her to go from barely running a minute to completing a 10K race.
5 Running Apps For Beginners That Aren't Couch To 5K - Bustle | Published June 11, 2020
Bustle featured None to Run as a top alternative for beginners who find Couch to 5K too fast-paced. The article explained that None to Run's 12-week journey (versus nine weeks) means progress is more measured and gradual, making it easier for complete beginners. They highlighted it as "a great all-rounder" because it includes simple strength and mobility workouts to help progression, something most starter apps don't offer.
How to work out in winter: the kit, classes and top tips to know - The London Times
I AM A RUNNER! - Michigan State University (Office of the Physician)