The NHS Couch to 5K app is celebrating its 10-year anniversary having been downloaded more than eight million times.

The app, which is a collaboration between the BBC and the Department of Health and Social Care is a free, beginner-friendly running plan and aims to help people go from being non-runners to be able to complete 5km.

As well as eight million downloads, the app has also supported more than one billion minutes of movement since its launch in 2016.

To mark the anniversary, a series of special programmes across the BBC are taking place – including a Traitors special of the BBC Sport Couch to 5K Podcast.

“NHS Couch to 5K has been a real success story and to achieve supporting over one billion minutes of movement over a decade from runners across the UK is truly incredible,” said the BBC’s chief content officer Kate Phillips.

“We all know the physical and mental benefits of taking up regular exercise.”

The NHS says regular running has been shown to reduce the risk of long-term illnesses, such as heart disease, type two diabetes and stroke, as well as helping to maintain a healthier weight and improve mood and wellbeing.

Here are ways to download the NHS Couch to 5K app:

Fans lashed back at Mark Martin after he congratulated Daniel Dye on securing a maiden NASCAR Cup Series opportunity despite the young driver’s recent suspension. Dye was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR and Kaulig Racing for making homophobic, disparaging comments during a livestream, in which he mocked IndyCar driver David Malukas last month.

Martin, one of NASCAR’s most respected former drivers, responded on X (formerly Twitter) with a simple two-word message that quickly made the rounds online. However, instead of sparking celebration, his reaction drew sharp criticism from fans who questioned both the timing and the sentiment behind it.

Reacting to Dye’ big Cup Series ride news, Martin wrote:

“Let’s go 👊🏼 @bjmcleod78 @danieldye43”

Martin’s reputation as a respected voice in the garage has taken a temporary hit, with several fans even expressing disappointment in the veteran driver.

Here are some of the fans’ reactions:

“Yikes. What a horrible take.” One fan wrote

“Sorry Martin but this isn’t it. Daniel hasn’t learned and grown as a person yet so why would he now?” Another fan said.

“How do you go from championing hard working drivers who make it on talent and working on their own equipment, to cheering a spoiled rich kid riding daddies money with multiple behavioral issues, who washed out of Xfinity” a third user said.

“Mocks another driver. Gets a cup ride. Cool, Mark 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼” a fourth fan commented

“Dang I hate Mark Martin, now?” a fifth fan said.

Daniel Dye started the 2026 campaign as one of the full-time drivers for the Kaulig Racing Ram Truck program in the Truck Series but was handed a suspension for violating the NASCAR rulebook over insensitive comments. He was reinstated later in March 2026 after completing mandatory sensitivity training and subsequently stepped down from his role as Kaulig driver.

Daniel Dye to make select NASCAR Cup Series starts in 2026

Daniel Dye is all set to make four NASCAR Cup Series appearances in 2026, with his debut coming this weekend at the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. He will driver the #78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports with a primary sponsorship from Champion Container, a company owned by his father.

The Deland, Florida native will next compete at Pocono Raceway (June 14), followed by Daytona International Speedway (August 29) and Talladega Superspeedway (October 25).

Dye returned to stock car racing following his suspension, making an appearance at the ARCA Menards Series Tide 150 at Kansas Speedway last weekend, where he secured a P2 finish.